Overview
- DRDO carried out the maiden flight test of the Kusha long-range surface-to-air missile from APJ Abdul Kalam Island and successfully intercepted an electronic target simulating a high-speed, high-altitude threat on Thursday.
- Project Kusha is being developed as a three-tier system with interceptor variants M1, M2 and M3 that are reported to have engagement ranges near 150 km, 250 km and up to 350–400 km respectively.
- Officials say the interceptors are expected to approach speeds around Mach 5.5 and the overall system includes domestically developed radars, fire-control and a command-and-control centre built with industry partners such as Bharat Electronics Limited.
- The programme has an Acceptance of Necessity for five squadrons approved in September 2023 and the test clears the way for more developmental trials, integration with the Indian Air Force's IACCS and work on air and naval variants before induction.
- Beyond validating technical progress, the test advances India’s push for defence self-reliance by adding a long-range layer to the planned Mission Sudarshan Chakra and could reduce future dependence on imported systems.