New Delhi, July 23: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Thursday successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the indigenous ‘Kusha’ Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LRSAM) from APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast, marking a major milestone in India’s air defence capabilities.
The missile was tested against an electronic target simulating a high-speed, high-altitude aerial threat and successfully intercepted it, validating the performance of the weapon system.
According to DRDO, the Kusha missile system is capable of engaging a wide range of aerial threats, including fighter aircraft, missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and large enemy aircraft across extended ranges and altitudes.
All components of the weapon system, including the missile, radar, command and control centre, have been indigenously developed by various DRDO laboratories in collaboration with industry partners.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the successful maiden flight as a significant milestone in India’s defence research and development.
He said the achievement places India among a select group of nations capable of developing long-range surface-to-air missile systems, while reducing dependence on imports and significantly enhancing the country’s air defence capability.
Defence Secretary and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh monitored the launch and congratulated the scientists, engineers and industry partners involved in the successful test.
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