DRDO successfully conducted the maiden flight-test of 'Kusha' Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LR-SAM) from the APJ Abdul Kalam Island test range off Odisha's coast. Kusha is indigenously developed to intercept aerial threats including aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles at long ranges. The system is designed to replace the ageing Akash missile system and strengthen India's air defence architecture. Development is led by DRDO under the Project Kusha programme approved by the Defence Acquisition Council.

Kusha fills a critical capability gap in India's layered air defence architecture. India currently relies on imported S-400 Triumf systems (from Russia) for long-range surface-to-air coverage and the domestically developed Akash system for medium range. Kusha is intended to provide an indigenous long-range option — reportedly capable of engaging targets at ranges exceeding 350 km at high altitudes — bridging the gap between Akash and S-400 class systems.

The development is strategically significant for three reasons. First, it reduces dependence on Russian hardware at a time when geopolitical tensions and sanctions risks make supply chain continuity uncertain. Second, it advances India's defence indigenisation goals under Atmanirbhar Bharat, directly aligned with the government's push to increase domestic defence production. Third, it strengthens multi-layered air defence, which has become critical after lessons from conflicts like Ukraine where integrated air defence networks proved decisive.

The test was conducted from APJ Abdul Kalam Island (formerly Wheeler Island), Odisha — India's primary integrated test range for missiles. DRDO's Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad, is the nodal lab. The system uses an active radar seeker for terminal guidance and is intended for deployment with the Indian Air Force. Project Kusha was formally approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), underlining its strategic priority status.