India Conducts Maiden Flight Test Of Long-Range 'Kusha' Air Defence Missile System

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the indigenous Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LR-SAM) Kusha from APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast. The successful trial marks a significant milestone in Project Kusha, India's ambitious programme to build a long-range air defence shield capable of countering fighter aircraft, cruise missiles, drones and other aerial threats. Designed as a three-tier missile defence system, Project Kusha aims to provide interception ranges of up to 400 km and will eventually integrate with the Indian Air Force's Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS). The indigenous system is expected to strengthen India's air defence capabilities while reducing reliance on imported strategic missile defence systems.