The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Thursday successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Kusha Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LRSAM) from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha. The missile intercepted an electronic target simulating a high-speed, high-altitude aerial threat during the trial, validating the system’s operational performance.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the successful interception marks the first flight test of the indigenous missile system, which has been developed to counter a broad spectrum of aerial threats. The Kusha system is designed to engage fighter aircraft, missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and large enemy aircraft across an extended range and altitude envelope.

The ministry said all major components of the weapon system, including the missile, radar, and command and control centre, have been developed by various DRDO laboratories in collaboration with Indian industry partners, reflecting the country’s continued push towards indigenous defence technologies.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the successful test as a key achievement for India’s defence research and development programme. He said the development demonstrates the country’s capability to design and produce advanced long-range surface-to-air missile systems, a technology currently possessed by only a limited number of nations. He also noted that the system would help reduce reliance on imported air defence platforms while strengthening India’s self-reliance in the defence sector.

The launch activities were monitored by Defence Secretary and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh, who congratulated the scientists, engineers and project teams involved in the successful flight test.

The Kusha missile programme is expected to enhance India’s layered air defence network by providing indigenous long-range interception capability against a variety of airborne threats. The successful maiden trial represents an important step towards the system’s future induction after further testing and evaluation.

Source: This article is based on an official press release issued by the Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Defence, Government of India
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