DRDO Successfully Conducts Maiden Flight Test of Kusha Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile

Key facts

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted the maiden flight test of the 'Kusha' Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) from APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.
• The test successfully intercepted an electronic target simulating a high-speed, high-altitude aerial threat.
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the test and stated that it will eliminate India's import dependency for such SAM systems.
• Project Kusha is an indigenous long-range SAM system designed to protect strategic assets from fighter jets, missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and large enemy aircraft.
• All weapon system elements, including missiles, radars, and command and control centre, were developed by DRDO laboratories and industry partners.
• The test was monitored by Defence Secretary and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh.