DRDO Successfully Conducts Maiden Flight Test of Kusha Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile

DRDO has successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Kusha Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LR-SAM). This test was conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), it was conducted on 23rd July 2026, from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, from the coast of Odisha. During the flight test, the missile intercepted a high-speed electronic target, demonstrating India’s air defence capabilities.

DRDO Conducts Successful Kusha Missile Test

The first flight test aimed to assess the ability of Kusha missile to successfully track, engage and destroy sophisticated aerial threats in the real battlefield scenario.

The test comprised of the following activities,

• The missile tracked and intercepted an electronic target representing a high-speed aerial threat.
• The interception was successful.
• The missile, radar, control systems and guidance mechanisms passed the mission objectives.

Successful test now guide the operational evaluation phase of Kusha missile programme.

Defining The Kusha Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile

The Kusha missile system is a made-in-India, long-range anti-aircraft missile developed by DRDO for safeguarding critical assets against numerous aerial attacks.

It has the capacity to counter the following threats such as,

• Airplanes
• Missiles
• UAVs
• Large air transport
• Other fast-moving aerial enemies

The missile system can accommodate any type of enemy in different distances and wing levels, generating the much-needed multi-dimensional accomplishment for the Indian military.

Indigenous Technology that Powers the System

The most significant aspect of the Kusha programme is that it has been fully developed indigenously.

All significant parts have been manufactured in India, including,

• Long-range interceptor missiles
• Advanced surveillance and fire-control radars
• Command and Control Centre
• Integrated communication and guidance systems

Multiple laboratories of DRDO cooperated with local industries in developing the entire weaponry system, enhancing India’s local defense industry.

Leadership and Outlook

The flight test was observed by Rajesh Kumar Singh, the Secretary of Defence and Chairman of DRDO, who congratulated the scientists, engineers, and industrial partners who worked on the program.

After the successful first test, more tests are expected before the Kusha missile system will enter the Indian Armed Forces.

This program is an important part of the integrated air defence capability of India in future.