India has achieved a significant milestone in its air defence programme with the successful maiden flight test of the indigenous long-range surface-to-air missile (LRSAM) system, Project Kusha. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) carried out the launch on Thursday, July 23, 2026, from APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced the successful trial, highlighting its importance for national security and self-reliance. He stated that the Kusha missile system is capable of neutralising a wide variety of aerial threats, including fighter jets, missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and large enemy aircraft across an extensive range and altitude envelope.
Advanced Air Defence Capabilities
Project Kusha represents a major step forward in India's defence technology. Developed entirely by DRDO, the system features three distinct interceptor variants, offering strike ranges of 150 km, 250 km, and an impressive 350-400 km. This multi-layered capability is designed to provide India with a robust shield against diverse aerial threats, enhancing the nation's strategic defence posture.
Global Recognition and Self-Reliance
Minister Singh emphasized that the successful test places India among a select group of nations possessing the capability to develop such advanced long-range surface-to-air missile systems. "The capability in developing a long-range surface-to-air missile system is possessed only by a handful of nations," he remarked.
Furthermore, the indigenous development of the Kusha missile system is expected to significantly reduce India's reliance on imported defence technologies. This aligns with the government's push for 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) in the defence sector, strengthening the country's manufacturing base and technological independence. Singh congratulated DRDO and all stakeholders for this landmark achievement, calling it a "giant leap in air defence capability of the nation."