Long-range system successfully intercepts simulated aerial threat in major boost to air defence capability
New Delhi: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Thursday conducted the maiden flight-test of the ‘Kusha’ long-range surface-to-air missile from APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast, marking a step towards developing an indigenous air defence system comparable to the S-400.
The test was carried out against an electronic target simulating a high-speed, high-altitude aerial threat, which was successfully intercepted, according to officials.
The ‘Kusha’ system is designed to neutralise a range of aerial threats, including fighter aircraft, missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles and large enemy aircraft across varying ranges and altitudes.
All components of the weapon system, including missiles, radars and the command and control centre, have been developed by DRDO laboratories in collaboration with industry partners.
The system is planned as a multi-layered air defence platform with different interceptor missiles and will be integrated under Mission Sudarshan Chakra.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the test marked a key milestone in indigenous defence capability. “This… will also eliminate the import dependency for such systems and signifies a giant leap in air defence capability of the nation,” he said.
The development is expected to reduce reliance on foreign air defence systems.
