The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Thursday successfully carried out the maiden flight-test of the indigenous ‘Kusha’ Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LRSAM) from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha, marking a significant milestone in India’s air defence capabilities.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the missile was tested against an electronic target simulating a high-speed, high-altitude aerial threat, which it successfully intercepted, validating the performance of the weapon system.
The ministry said the ‘Kusha’ missile system is designed to neutralise a wide range of aerial threats, including fighter aircraft, missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and large enemy aircraft across an extended range and altitude envelope.
All key elements of the weapon system—including the missile, radars, and command and control systems—have been developed indigenously by various DRDO laboratories in collaboration with industry partners.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO and all stakeholders on the successful maiden test, describing it as a landmark achievement in India’s defence research and development.
In a post on X, the Defence Minister said the successful development of a long-range surface-to-air missile system places India among a select group of nations possessing such advanced technology. He added that the achievement would reduce dependence on imports while significantly strengthening the country’s air defence capability.
Defence Secretary, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh monitored the flight-test and congratulated the scientists, engineers and industry partners involved in the successful mission.
The successful maiden test marks a major step towards the induction of an indigenous long-range air defence system, reinforcing India’s push for self-reliance in advanced defence technologies under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
