The Defence Research and Development Organisation successfully carried out the first flight test of the Kusha Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile on Thursday at APJ Abdul Kalam Island off Odisha.
The Ministry of Defence stated that the maiden test targeted an electronic simulation of a high-speed, high-altitude aerial threat. The missile system intercepted the target as planned.
Rajnath Singh said the test marks a major step toward indigenous long-range air defence capabilities. He noted that the system will help eliminate import dependency for such SAM systems.
A long-range SAM typically has a range of over 200 km. India currently operates the Russian S-400 Triumf, which is understood to be capable of hitting targets up to 400 km away.
