Kusha Missile Test

Kusha Missile Test

Context

On 23 July 2026, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the indigenous Kusha long-range Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) system from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha. The test marks a major milestone in India's effort to build an advanced indigenous air and missile defence network under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

History of the Issue

The Kusha missile system has been developed under Project Kusha, also known as the Extended Range Air Defence System (ERADS), formerly referred to as XRSAM. Conceived as India's indigenous long-range air defence programme, it aims to reduce dependence on imported systems such as the Russian S-400. The project is being developed by DRDO in collaboration with the Indian Air Force (IAF), Indian Navy, and Indian defence industries including BEL, BDL, and private sector partners. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved approximately ₹21,700 crore for its development and initial procurement.

Salient Points

Kusha is a mobile, long-range, multi-layered air defence system capable of intercepting fighter aircraft, cruise missiles, UAVs, and other aerial threats. It comprises three interceptor variants: M1 (150 km), M2 (250 km), and M3 (350–400 km). The missile can achieve speeds of up to Mach 5.5 and is supported by advanced 3D surveillance and multi-function fire-control radars capable of detecting stealth aircraft and low-signature targets. During the maiden test, the missile successfully intercepted a high-speed electronic target, validating its propulsion, guidance, radar integration, and interception capabilities.

India's Stand

India views Kusha as a critical component of its multi-layered air defence architecture, complementing systems such as Akash, MRSAM, and the S-400. The programme reflects India's commitment to self-reliance in defence technology, strengthening deterrence, and reducing import dependence while enhancing preparedness against emerging aerial threats.

Current Status

The successful maiden flight test confirms the technological maturity of the Kusha programme and represents a significant step towards its operational induction. Once deployed, the system is expected to provide long-range protection against advanced aircraft, cruise missiles, and drones, significantly enhancing India's air defence capability and placing the country among the few nations possessing indigenous long-range air defence systems.

Analytical Questions

Q1. Why is the Kusha missile system strategically important even though India already operates the S-400 air defence system?

Answer: The Kusha system strengthens India's self-reliance in defence. Indigenous production reduces dependence on imports, lowers long-term costs, and ensures easier maintenance and upgrades. It also gives India greater strategic autonomy during conflicts when foreign supplies or spare parts may become uncertain.

Q2. How does a multi-layered air defence system improve a country's national security?

Answer: Different threats fly at different speeds, heights, and distances. A multi-layered system allows one missile layer to support another. If one interceptor misses, another can engage the target. This increases the chances of destroying enemy aircraft, missiles, and drones before they reach critical locations.

Q3. What role does the Kusha programme play in achieving the objectives of Atmanirbhar Bharat?

Answer: The programme promotes indigenous research, manufacturing, and technological innovation. It creates opportunities for public and private defence industries while reducing import dependence. Strong domestic capability improves national security, generates skilled employment, and strengthens India's position as a future exporter of advanced defence technologies.

Q4. Why are advanced radar systems as important as interceptor missiles in modern air defence?

Answer: A missile can destroy a target only after it is detected and tracked accurately. Advanced radars identify aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and stealth targets at long distances. Early detection provides more reaction time, improves interception accuracy, and allows better coordination across the entire air defence network.

Q5. How can indigenous defence technologies like Kusha influence India's foreign policy and strategic position?

Answer: Strong indigenous defence capability increases India's strategic independence and reduces external pressure during crises. It enhances credibility among friendly countries, opens opportunities for defence exports, and strengthens India's role as a responsible security partner in the Indo-Pacific while supporting regional stability and deterrence.