New Delhi: India has achieved a significant milestone in indigenous defence technology with the successful maiden flight test of the Kusha Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LRSAM), developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The missile was successfully tested from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha, marking a major step towards strengthening the country’s self-reliant air defence capabilities.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO and all stakeholders, describing the successful test as a landmark achievement in India’s defence research and development programme.
Successful Maiden Flight Test
Sharing the development on social media platform X, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the DRDO had successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Kusha Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile.
He said the successful trial represents a major breakthrough in India’s efforts to develop advanced indigenous air defence systems capable of protecting the country against a wide range of aerial threats.
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According to the Defence Minister, only a handful of countries possess the capability to develop such advanced long-range surface-to-air missile systems, and India has now joined that select group.
Capable of Neutralising Multiple Aerial Threats
The Kusha missile system has been designed to intercept and destroy a broad spectrum of airborne targets.
According to DRDO, the system can effectively engage:
- Fighter aircraft
- Cruise missiles
- Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
- Large airborne platforms
- Various aerial threats operating at long ranges and high altitudes
The system is designed to provide layered air defence across different operational environments.
Designed for Diverse Battlefields
One of the major strengths of the Kusha missile system is its operational flexibility.
The system can function effectively across diverse terrains, including:
- Mountainous regions
- Plains
- Coastal areas
- Maritime environments
The @DRDO_India has successfully conducted the maiden flight test of Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile Kusha today from the APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 23, 2026
Kusha missile system is capable of neutralising wide variety of aerial threats including fighter jets,… pic.twitter.com/EceUgGM1HR
Its advanced radar and tracking systems enable it to detect, track and engage hostile aircraft and missiles at considerable distances.
The long-range engagement capability significantly enhances India’s ability to defend critical military installations and strategic assets.
Major Boost for India’s Indigenous Defence Programme
The successful maiden flight test represents another important milestone under India’s push for Aatmanirbhar Bharatin defence manufacturing.
For years, India has relied on imported long-range air defence systems to strengthen its aerial shield. The successful development of the Kusha missile system is expected to substantially reduce dependence on foreign suppliers in this critical segment.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the achievement signifies a giant leap in India’s air defence capability while reinforcing the country’s growing expertise in advanced missile technology.
Rajnath Singh Congratulates DRDO
Congratulating scientists and engineers associated with the programme, Rajnath Singh wrote:
“The DRDO has successfully conducted the maiden flight test of Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile Kusha today from the APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha. Today’s successful test flight of Kusha marks an important milestone in Indian defence R&D.”
He added that the capability to develop such sophisticated long-range surface-to-air missile systems is possessed by only a handful of nations and that the success would significantly reduce India’s dependence on imported air defence systems.
Strengthening India’s Air Defence Shield
The induction of the Kusha missile system is expected to significantly enhance India’s integrated air defence network by providing indigenous long-range interception capability against advanced aerial threats.
The successful test also demonstrates the growing maturity of India’s defence research ecosystem and highlights DRDO’s continued efforts to develop next-generation strategic weapon systems for the Armed Forces.
With the successful maiden flight, the Kusha programme moves a step closer towards induction, further strengthening India’s capability to defend its airspace through indigenous technology.
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