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DRDO successfully flight-tests long-range surface-to-air missile 'Kusha'

UPSC / SSC current affairs note

Defence TechnologyIndigenisation of Technology

Why in news

DRDO conducted the first successful flight test of the long-range surface-to-air missile 'Kusha' on 23 July 2026 from APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha. The test marks a significant milestone in India's indigenous air defence capabilities, reducing import dependence for such systems.

Background

Kusha is a long-range surface-to-air missile system developed by DRDO to engage various aerial threats including fighter jets, missiles, UAVs, and large enemy aircraft over wide ranges and altitudes. All major components including missiles, radars, and command & control centres have been developed indigenously by DRDO labs and industry partners.

Key facts

in5points

  1. DRDO successfully flight-tested 'Kusha' on 23 July 2026 from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha.

  2. The test was against an electronic target simulating a high-speed, high-altitude aerial threat.

  3. The missile system successfully intercepted and destroyed the target.

  4. Kusha can neutralize fighter aircraft, missiles, UAVs, and large enemy aircraft over wide range and altitude.

  5. All major components (missiles, radars, command & control centres) are indigenously developed by DRDO labs and industry partners.

  6. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called it a significant milestone, highlighting that only a few countries possess such capability.

  7. The test will reduce import dependence for long-range surface-to-air missile systems.

  8. DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh monitored the launch and congratulated the team.

Prelims pointers

  • Missile name: Kusha
  • Type: Long-range surface-to-air missile (LRSAM)
  • Developer: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
  • Test date: 23 July 2026
  • Test location: APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha
  • Target: Electronic target simulating high-speed, high-altitude threat
  • Key capability: Intercepts fighter aircraft, missiles, UAVs, large aircraft
  • Indigenous content: All major components developed in India

Mains angles

  • Discuss the significance of indigenous missile systems like Kusha for India's air defence and strategic autonomy.
  • Analyze the role of DRDO in achieving self-reliance in defence technology under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
  • Evaluate the challenges and opportunities in developing long-range surface-to-air missile systems indigenously.