The DRDO successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the indigenous Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile Kusha from APJ Abdul Kalam Island off Odisha, marking a significant step in India’s push for self-reliant air defence. The system is designed to neutralise a broad spectrum of aerial threats, including fighter jets, missiles, UAVs and large aircraft, with multiple interceptor variants spanning ranges of roughly 150 km, 250 km and up to 350-400 km. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the test as a landmark achievement that positions India among a handful of nations capable of developing such long-range defence systems and will reduce import dependence. Officials project the Kusha as the backbone of a layered, indigenous air defence shield, potentially enabling deployment in the 2028-2030 timeframe and integrating with India's future networked defence architecture. The series of tests underscores a broader national effort to expand domestic defence manufacturing and technology development, aligning with DRDO’s goal of multi-layered protection against evolving threats.