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yesterday

DRDO Tests Kusha Long-Range Air-Defence Missile

The maiden flight validates a working prototype, opens the path to integration with the IAF command network, further development trials and planned squadron procurement.

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Kusha missile system is capable of neutralising wide variety of aerial threats, including fighter jets, missiles, UAVs and large enemy aircraft. | X/@rajnathsingh
India Tests Indigenous LRSAM Kusha Air Defence Missile
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Overview

  • The DRDO carried out the maiden flight test on Thursday, July 23, 2026, from APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.
  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced the successful test and said Kusha is designed to engage fighter jets, cruise missiles, drones and large aircraft across a wide altitude and distance envelope.
  • Project Kusha is built as a three-tier family of interceptors (M1, M2, M3) with planned engagement ranges near 150 km, 250 km and up to 350–400 km and interceptor speeds reported around Mach 5.5.
  • Bharat Electronics Limited is the principal industry partner for radar and systems integration and the weapon is slated to link with the IAF’s Integrated Air Command and Control System as further trials proceed.
  • The system remains in development and testing, not operational; an Acceptance of Necessity for procurement of five squadrons was granted in September 2023 and the programme forms part of the longer-term Mission Sudarshan Chakra to cut import reliance and build a layered national air-defence shield.