Archive · 24 Jul 2026
India Tests Indigenous Kusha Missile
India has successfully tested a new missile called Kusha for the first time.
This missile is made in India and can protect the country from many types of threats in the air, like enemy planes and other missiles.
The test was done by the DRDO from an island in Odisha.
The missile can travel very far and hit targets at different heights.
Only a few countries in the world have this kind of technology.
The success of this test is a big step for India's defense and means the country can rely more on its own technology instead of buying from other countries.
India successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the indigenous Kusha missile system.
The test was carried out by the DRDO from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha.
Kusha is a long-range surface-to-air missile capable of neutralizing various aerial threats.
The missile has three interceptor variants with strike ranges of 150 km, 250 km, and 350-400 km.
The successful test places India among a select group of nations with advanced air defense capabilities.
- Who
- Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
- What
- Maiden flight test of the indigenous Kusha missile system
- When
- July 23, 2026
- Where
- APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha
- Why
- To enhance India's air defense capabilities and reduce dependency on imports
Pro-Indigenous Development
Pro-Imported Technology
Defense Capabilities
Pro-Indigenous Development
Indigenous development like Kusha enhances India's self-reliance and reduces dependency on imports.
Pro-Imported Technology
Imported technology may offer more advanced and proven capabilities.
- Missile Name
- Kusha
- Type
- Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LRSAM)
- Developed By
- Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
- Test Location
- APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha
- Strike Ranges
- 150 km, 250 km, 350-400 km
- Capabilities
- Neutralizes fighter jets, missiles, UAVs, and large enemy aircraft
- Significance
- Places India among a select group of nations with advanced air defense systems
Sources
'Giant leap in air defence': India successfully tests Kusha missile for first time
India successfully tests long-range 'Kusha' air defence missile system
DRDO conducts maiden flight test of Kusha long-range missile
Project Kusha, India’s desi S-400, takes to the skies; maiden test flight successful
India Tests Kusha, Indigenous S-400 Rival
Odisha: DRDO conducts maiden test of Kusha missile
DRDO flight test of ‘Kusha’ takes off
DRDO Successfully Tests Long-Range Air Defence Missile System 'Kusha'
India's 'Desi S 400': DRDO's Project Kusha takes maiden flight. How it could transform air defence
