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India tests Kusha long-range air-defense missile in first trial
The Kusha test is positioned as a milestone for India’s home-grown air-defense network under the Mission Sudarshan Chakra plan to build a multilayered umbrella by 2035.
India has carried out its first test of the Kusha long-range surface-to-air missile system, which is being treated as a milestone for expanding New Delhi’s domestic air-defense capabilities, according to SCMP Economy.
The Kusha system, developed by the state-run Defence Research and Development Organisation, is expected to become part of Mission Sudarshan Chakra, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-phase plan for a multilayered national defence umbrella against threats including ballistic missiles, fighter aircraft, drones, and other targets by 2035.
SCMP Economy also said Indian air force leadership cited the S-400’s performance during last year’s military conflict with Pakistan under Operation Sindoor, including interceptions involving five Pakistani fighter jets and an early warning and surveillance aircraft.
A retired Indian Air Force air marshal said the Kusha could be integrated into the country’s air-defence architecture because it is domestically developed, adding that growing drone and missile threats make an integrated, multilayered system for detecting, identifying, engaging, and destroying intruders increasingly important.