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DRDO successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Kusha Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile on 23 July 2026.
The test was carried out from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.
The missile intercepted a high-speed electronic target, validating its radar, control and guidance systems.
Kusha is an indigenous long-range air defence system able to engage aircraft, missiles, UAVs and other aerial threats.
The capability to build such systems is held by only a few nations, and it will cut India's import dependence.
A surface-to-air missile is fired from the ground (or a ship) to destroy aircraft, missiles and drones in the sky, forming the backbone of air defence. A long-range SAM like Kusha is designed to hit threats at large distances and high altitudes, creating a protective umbrella over important areas. A complete system is more than the missile: it needs surveillance and fire-control radars to detect and track targets, a command centre to decide engagements, and guidance links to steer the interceptor to the target.
Simple Analogy: Think of it as a goalkeeper for the sky, with radar for eyes and the missile as the diving save.
General Awareness > Missiles and Air Defence
GS Paper 3 > Defence Technology and Security
General Awareness > Defence Current Affairs
Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile, for air defence against distant, high-altitude threats.
A radar that tracks a target precisely enough to guide a weapon onto it.
DRDO's missile test site off the Odisha coast, formerly Wheeler Island.