DRDO’s Project Kusha Flight Test

DRDO successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the indigenously developed Kusha Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LRSAM) from APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast.

About Project Kusha

• Project Kusha is an indigenous long-range air-defence system being developed by DRDO.
• It is designed to protect strategic military and civilian assets from fighter aircraft, missiles, drones and large hostile aircraft.
• Long-range surface-to-air missiles generally have an engagement range exceeding 200 km.
• Its missiles, radars and command-and-control systems are being developed by DRDO laboratories with Indian industry partners.

Strategic Significance

• It will reduce India’s dependence on imported air-defence systems such as the Russian S-400 Triumf.
• It will strengthen India’s capability to detect and neutralise threats across a wide range and altitude envelope.
• The system will provide indigenous protection to critical infrastructure and strategic installations.
• It represents a major advancement in India’s defence research and manufacturing ecosystem.

Link with Integrated Air Defence

• Project Kusha will complement DRDO’s Integrated Air Defence Weapon System, comprising:
  • Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles,
  • Very Short-Range Air Defence Systems, and
  • High-power laser-based Directed Energy Weapons.
• Together, these systems are expected to contribute to a layered, nationwide air-defence shield under Mission Sudarshan Chakra.

Project Kusha is a major step towards developing a self-reliant, multi-layered and long-range air-defence capability capable of countering diverse aerial threats.