DRDO conducts successful maiden flight-test of ‘Kusha’ Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile

Key Highlights:

• DRDO successfully conducted the maiden flight-test of the Kusha Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile.
• The test occurred on July 23, 2026, from APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.
• The missile successfully intercepted an electronic target simulating high-speed and high-altitude aerial threats.
• Kusha is capable of neutralising a wide variety of aerial threats including fighter jets, missiles, and UAVs.

Detailed Insights:

• The Kusha missile system operates within a wide range and altitude envelope, enhancing India's air defence capabilities.
• All weapon system elements, including missiles, radars, and the command and control centre, were indigenously developed by DRDO laboratories and industry partners.
• This successful test marks an important milestone in Indian defence R&D, placing India among a handful of nations with such advanced long-range air defence systems.
• The development of Kusha aims to eliminate import dependency for such critical defence systems, signifying a major leap in national self-reliance.

Scientific/Technical Concepts Involved:

• Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM): A missile designed to be launched from the ground or a ship to destroy airborne targets like aircraft or other missiles.
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV): An aircraft without a human pilot aboard, controlled remotely or autonomously, commonly known as a drone.
• Radar: A detection system that uses radio waves to determine the range, angle, or velocity of objects.