Kusha Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile
Defence / Internal Security / Science and Technology · Saturday, 25 July 2026
DRDO successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Kusha Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off Odisha. Project Kusha is India’s indigenously developed, automated and scalable long-range air defence missile system aimed at strengthening a multi-layered national air defence shield.
Quick highlights
- DRDO conducted the maiden flight test of Kusha LR-SAM from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast.
- Project Kusha is often described as India’s indigenous answer to the Russian S-400 Triumf.
- It is a fully automated, scalable surface-to-air missile ecosystem to detect, track and destroy aerial threats.
- The system has three variants: M1 up to 150 km, M2 up to 250 km and M3 up to 350 km.
- It includes indigenous AESA radars, command and control centres, battle-management software and precision missile seekers.
- The aim is to reduce reliance on foreign air defence imports and protect critical civilian and strategic assets.
Context
The Defence Research and Development Organisation successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Kusha Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.
Key Facts
Project Kusha is an indigenously developed long-range air defence missile system. It is being developed by DRDO with public and private defence industry partners and validated from the Integrated Test Range in Odisha. It has M1, M2 and M3 interceptor variants with ranges up to 150 km, 250 km and 350 km respectively.
Significance
The system is designed to detect, track and destroy enemy aerial threats at standoff distances. It supports a multi-layered national air defence shield and aligns with the vision of an integrated Sudarshan Chakra national air umbrella.
Challenges / Way Forward
The system must perform across varied altitudes and against fast-moving targets such as low-flying cruise missiles and high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft. Its indigenous subsystems, including AESA radars, command and control centres, battle-management software and seekers, are central to operational readiness.
Exam Angle
Relevant for GS Paper III under defence technology, indigenisation, missile systems, air defence, strategic security and defence manufacturing.
Remember this
- Kusha LR-SAM was flight-tested by DRDO.
- Test location: Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off Odisha.
- Project Kusha is a long-range surface-to-air missile system.
- M1 range: up to 150 km.
- M2 range: up to 250 km.
- M3 range: up to 350 km.
- It is compared with the Russian S-400 Triumf.
- It supports the Sudarshan Chakra national air umbrella vision.