India tests indigenous Kusha missile, aiming to replace Russian S-400 air shield
India successfully conducted the first flight of its home-grown Project Kusha missile, a step toward a long-range air-defence system that could eventually supplant the Russian S-400.
On July 23, the Defence Research and Development Organisation completed the inaugural flight test of Project Kusha, an indigenous long-range surface-to-air missile designed to match the reach of Russia's S-400 and the US Patriot systems. The missile family comprises three variants—M1 (up to 150 km), M2 (up to 250 km) and M3 (350-400 km)—intended to form the outer tier of a three-layered air-defence architecture under Mission Sudarshan Chakra.
The system will operate through the Indian Air Force's Integrated Air Command and Control System, employing GaN-based AESA radars and dual RF/IR seekers to reduce reliance on foreign supply chains. While the current S-400 provides long-range coverage, Kusha is expected to first augment and later replace it. Bharat Dynamics Ltd, Solar Industries and Bharat Electronics are the designated development and production partners, with full military deployment targeted for 2028-2030.
Why it matters
The test marks India's move toward self-reliant air defence, reducing dependence on foreign missile systems.
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