India Successfully Tests Kusha Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile

The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight-test of the Kusha Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LR-SAM) on July 23, 2026. Launched from APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha, the missile intercepted an electronic target simulating a high-speed, high-altitude aerial threat.

Designed to neutralize fighter jets, cruise missiles, UAVs, and large enemy aircraft, the system utilizes a three-tier architecture with interceptor ranges spanning 150 km to 400 km. All components, including radars and command and control centers, were developed by DRDO laboratories and industry partners. The project was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security in 2022 and is intended for the Indian Air Force, which plans to procure five squadrons.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that the achievement marks an important milestone in Indian defence R&D. He noted that the capability to develop such a system is possessed by only a handful of nations and that the project will eliminate India's import dependency for these long-range systems.