The Defence Research and Development Organisation successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the indigenous Kusha Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile, marking a major milestone in strengthening India’s multi-layered air defence capabilities.

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• The Defence Research and Development Organisation successfully carried out the maiden flight test of the indigenous Kusha Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile on 23 July 2026 from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast.
• During the trial, the missile successfully tracked, engaged, and intercepted a high-speed electronic aerial target, validating its guidance, radar, command, and control systems under operational conditions.
• The Kusha missile is an indigenous long-range air defence system designed to protect critical strategic assets against aircraft, cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and other high-speed aerial threats.
• The successful trial demonstrated the effectiveness of the missile’s surveillance radar, fire-control system, command and control network, and precision guidance technology.
• The Kusha programme has been developed entirely in India through collaboration between multiple DRDO laboratories and domestic defence industries, supporting the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
• The missile system incorporates indigenous interceptor missiles, advanced surveillance and fire-control radars, integrated communication systems, and modern command and control infrastructure.
• The maiden flight test marks the beginning of the operational evaluation phase, with additional developmental and user trials expected before induction into the Indian Armed Forces.
• Defence Secretary and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh congratulated the scientists, engineers, and industry partners, describing the achievement as a significant step towards enhancing India’s integrated air defence capability.