DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the indigenous 'Kusha' Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LR-SAM) system.
India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the indigenous 'Kusha' Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LR-SAM) system.
The successful trial took place at Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.
Highlights
The Target: The interceptor was deployed against an electronic target simulating a high-speed, high-altitude aerial threat, resulting in a successful interception.
System Elements: All critical components-including the missiles, advanced radar networks, and the command and control center—were completely developed indigenously by DRDO labs and domestic industry partners.
Integration: The Kusha system is designed to plug directly into the Indian Air Force's Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) for seamless sensor-to-shooter coordination.
Capabilities and Design Architecture
Project Kusha serves as the long-range tier of India's ambitious Mission Sudarshan Chakra, a multi-layered nationwide air defence shield targeted for full implementation by 2035.
Target Profile: Capable of neutralizing fighter jets, cruise missiles, drones (UAVs), and large high-value airborne assets (like AWACS aircraft).
Layered Interception: The system will eventually utilize three interchangeable missile variants—M1, M2, and M3—with estimated operational ranges scaling from 150 km up to 400 km.
Strategic Autonomy: Deemed India’s equivalent to the Russian S-400 system, this program aims to eliminate import dependencies for high-end air defence systems.
Project Timelines May 2022: The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) cleared the program under high-priority "mission-mode".
September 2023: The Ministry of Defence accorded an Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) worth Rs.21,700 crore to procure five squadrons for the Indian Air Force.
Future Pipeline: Following this initial M1 interceptor test, subsequent evaluations of the longer-range M2 and M3 variants are slated to progress, eyeing phased induction between 2028 and 2030.
