Watch | The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the indigenous Kusha Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LRSAM) from APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.
The missile intercepted an electronic target simulating a high-speed, high-altitude aerial threat, successfully meeting the objectives of the maiden flight trial.
Capability of the Kusha Missile System
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 a broad range and altitude envelope.
According to the Ministry of Defence, all major weapon system elements, including the missiles, radars, and command-and-control centre, have been developed indigenously by various DRDO laboratories in partnership with Indian defence industries.
Strategic Significance
The successful maiden flight test marks a major milestone in India's indigenous long-range air defence capability. It is expected to reduce dependence on imported long-range air defence systems and strengthen India's multi-layered air defence architecture.
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh stated that developing an indigenous long-range surface-to-air missile system is a capability possessed by only a handful of nations and described the achievement as a significant step towards strengthening India's air defence.
Leadership During the Trial
The launch activities were monitored by the Defence Secretary, Secretary (Department of Defence R&D) and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh, who congratulated the DRDO teams and industry partners involved in the successful trial.
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