India conducts first flight test of indigenous Kusha air defence missile

India has successfully conducted the first flight test of its long-range surface-to-air missile system, Kusha, off the coast of Odisha from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, the indigenous system is designed to strengthen national airspace protection.

The test marks a key milestone in New Delhi's broader strategic campaign to achieve self-reliance in defence manufacturing and gradually phase out decades of reliance on foreign military equipment suppliers. Further operational evaluations are anticipated as development continues toward eventual deployment.

Sources: Defence Turk