DRDO Successfully Tests ‘Kusha’ Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile

India has achieved an important milestone in indigenous air-defence technology with the successful maiden flight-test of the ‘Kusha’ Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile. The Defence Research and Development Organisation conducted the test from APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha on July 23, 2026.

During the trial, the missile was launched against an electronic target representing a high-speed, high-altitude aerial threat. The target was successfully intercepted, validating the missile’s basic flight performance and engagement capability during its first developmental test.

The Kusha system is being developed to counter a broad range of airborne threats, including fighter aircraft, missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles and large military aircraft across an extensive range and altitude envelope. Its missiles, surveillance and fire-control radars, command-and-control centre and associated weapon-system components have been developed by DRDO laboratories in cooperation with Indian industry.

Once fully tested and inducted, Kusha is expected to strengthen India’s layered air-defence network by providing a domestically developed long-range interception capability. The programme will also reduce dependence on imported strategic air-defence systems and expand India’s capacity to protect important military installations, population centres and critical infrastructure.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the test as a major achievement in Indian defence research, noting that only a limited number of countries possess the capability to develop sophisticated long-range surface-to-air missile systems.

Defence Secretary and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh monitored the launch activities and congratulated the scientists, engineers and industry partners involved in the successful maiden test. Further developmental trials will be required before the Kusha system enters operational service.

Source: PIB