🚀 Major Boost to India's Air Defense: DRDO Conducts First Successful Test of Long-Range 'Kusha' Missile
New Delhi/Bhubaneswar: Taking its indigenous air defense capabilities to new heights, India has successfully conducted the first flight test of the 'Kusha' missile system—a long-range surface-to-air missile developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The test was carried out on July 23, 2026, from APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.
During the test, the missile successfully intercepted and destroyed an electronic target flying at high speed and high altitude. The target simulated modern aerial threats, and 'Kusha' proved its capability by engaging and neutralizing it with precision.
The 'Kusha' missile system is capable of neutralizing various types of aerial threats—such as fighter aircraft, cruise missiles, drones (UAVs), and large aerial platforms—at long ranges and varying altitudes. All key components of this state-of-the-art system—including the missile, radar, and command and control center—have been developed indigenously by various DRDO laboratories and Indian industry partners.
Describing this success as a historic achievement for Indian defense research, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that the successful test of 'Kusha' places India among the select group of nations possessing the capability to develop modern, long-range air defense missile systems. He noted that this would reduce dependence on imports and significantly strengthen the country's air defense system.
Defence Secretary and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh oversaw the entire testing process and congratulated the scientists, engineers, and all team members who contributed to this achievement.
