India Unveils Kusha Missile Milestone as Modi Targets Homegrown Defence Shield

India has taken a major step towards strengthening its homegrown air defence capabilities after successfully conducting the first flight test of its Kusha long-range surface-to-air missile system.

The test, conducted on July 23, is being seen as an important milestone in India’s ambition to develop a multilayered defence network capable of protecting the country from missiles, fighter jets, drones and other aerial threats.

Kusha is being developed by India’s state-run Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and is expected to play a central role in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mission Sudarshan Chakra, an ambitious plan to establish a nationwide defence shield by 2035.

Kusha targets new generation of threats

India’s push for a powerful domestic air defence system comes as military threats become increasingly sophisticated.

The proliferation of drones, long-range missiles and advanced fighter aircraft has made air defence a priority for major military powers.

Retired Indian Air Force Air Marshal Ravi Gopal Krishna Kapoor said Kusha could fit easily into India’s existing defence architecture because it was developed domestically.

According to local media reports, the Kusha system is expected to use three interceptor variants capable of engaging targets at distances of up to 150km, 250km and 400km.

The missile tested during the July 23 trial was reportedly the 150km-range variant.

India looks beyond Russia’s S-400

The development of Kusha could also help India reduce its dependence on foreign air defence systems.

India currently operates Russia’s S-400 Triumf, acquired under a $5.43 billion agreement signed in 2018.

The country had received four operational S-400 squadrons by June and was expected to receive another later this year.

However, delays linked to Russia’s military requirements amid the Ukraine war have highlighted the risks of depending heavily on foreign suppliers.

Kapoor said imported systems also leave India vulnerable to disruptions involving missile supplies, maintenance and upgrades.

He added that India’s existing S-400 inventory alone could not provide comprehensive air defence coverage across the country.

Building a multilayered defence network

Kusha is expected to operate as part of the outer layer of India’s future air defence system, working alongside the S-400.

Short- and medium-range systems, including the Akash missile, would provide additional protection closer to critical targets.

The broader network is intended to safeguard strategic infrastructure such as power plants, airports, railway facilities and military installations.

Recent conflicts have demonstrated how vulnerable such infrastructure can be to drones and missile attacks, highlighting the need for stronger air defence capabilities.

Domestic production gives India more control

One of Kusha’s biggest advantages could be India’s control over its development and supply chain.

Srinivasan Balakrishnan of the Indic Researchers Forum said domestic production would reduce India’s exposure to foreign supply-chain disruptions and give the country greater control over the system’s manufacturing, maintenance and software.

He also said Kusha could be considerably cheaper than comparable imported systems while offering protection against fighter aircraft, cruise missiles, drones and other weapons.

Local media reports suggest Kusha could enter phased deployment between 2028 and 2030.

If the programme stays on schedule, the system could become a key component of India’s plan to build an indigenous air defence umbrella capable of protecting the country’s most important military and civilian assets.