India missile defence programme

The Defence Research and Development Organisation has successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the indigenous Kusha long-range surface-to-air missile, marking a major step in India’s advanced air-defence programme. DRDO Tests Kusha Missile in Odisha The test was conducted on July 23 from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast. The missile was launched against an electronic target designed to simulate a high-speed and high-altitude aerial threat. According to the Ministry of Defence, the Kusha missile successfully intercepted the simulated target and met the test objectives. Senior defence and DRDO officials monitored the launch and associated activities. Kusha Air Defence System Capabilities The Kusha system is being developed to neutralise multiple types of aerial threats, including fighter aircraft, cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles and larger surveillance or support aircraft across a wide range and altitude envelope. The complete weapon system includes interceptor missiles, advanced radars and a command-and-control centre. These components have been developed by several DRDO laboratories in partnership with Indian public and private-sector defence manufacturers. Further developmental and user trials will be required before the system enters operational service. India Advances Indigenous Air Defence Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the successful flight test as an important milestone in Indian defence research. He said the programme demonstrated India’s ability to develop sophisticated long-range air-defence technology available to only a limited number of countries. The Kusha programme is expected to reduce India’s dependence on imported long-range surface-to-air missile systems. Once operational, it will strengthen the country’s layered air-defence network and provide indigenous protection against diverse airborne threats.

DRDO Successfully Tests Kusha Air Defence Missile

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