India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) announced a major advancement in the nation’s long-range air defense capabilities with the successful maiden test of the M1 long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) under the Kusha program on July 23 from APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast. This trial, conducted against a high-speed, high-altitude electronic target simulating a potential aerial threat, marked the first live demonstration of the system’s capabilities. The test is a critical step toward achieving India’s goal of a robust, multi-layered air defense architecture under Mission Sudarshan Chakra, which aims to be fully operational by 2035.
The Kusha missile system is engineered to counter a diverse set of threats, including fighter aircraft, guided missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and large enemy aircraft. It operates within a wide range and altitude envelope, giving it the flexibility to address modern aerial challenges. The system is one of three interceptors being developed under the Kusha program, each designed to cover different distance brackets, thus providing the Indian armed forces with a layered defense strategy.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on the Test
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the successful test as an “important milestone” in India’s defense innovation landscape. He emphasized the rarity of such capabilities, noting that only a few nations globally have the technological know-how to develop a long-range SAM system. The development of Kusha is spearheaded by DRDO, with key industrial partners Bharat Dynamics Limited and Solar Industries handling the development and production processes. Meanwhile, Bharat Electronics Limited is collaborating with DRDO to design and integrate the required radars and control systems.
The Kusha system will be seamlessly integrated into the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), which unites the capabilities of the Indian Air Force, Army, and Navy to provide a comprehensive view of the country’s airspace. This system enables deep surveillance beyond borders, tracking incoming threats in real time. At present, India’s long-range air defense primarily relies on the Russian S-400 Triumf missile system, which has an interception range of 400 km. Five S-400 regiments were contracted under a $5.43 billion deal with Russia in 2018, but deliveries have been significantly delayed, with only four out of the five regiments delivered so far, and the fifth expected by year-end.
The S-400 system proved its versatility during the recent four-day military conflict with Pakistan under Operation Sindoor in May 2025. Not only was it effective in intercepting incoming projectiles, but it was also used in an offensive role to shoot down a Pakistani early warning aircraft operating over 300 km away. Despite this proven value, the Kusha program is not intended to completely replace the S-400 in the near to medium term. Instead, it is expected to complement it, ensuring a layered and resilient air defense for the nation.
Bridging the Range Gap with Kusha
India’s current air defense systems leave a critical gap between 70 km and 400 km in range, with the Barak-8 missile system, developed in partnership with Israel, covering only up to 70 km. This gap poses a challenge in addressing threats that fall between these ranges. The Kusha program is being developed to bridge this shortfall with its three interceptors: the M1 for ranges up to 150 km, the M2 for up to 250 km, and the M3 for 350-400 km. This tiered approach will help create a truly multi-layered air defense system, ensuring that no part of the Indian airspace is left vulnerable.
India’s strategic landscape remains under continuous threat from medium and long-range ballistic missiles from both Pakistan and China. To counter such advanced threats, India has been developing an indigenous Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) defense system. Phase I, designed to intercept ballistic missiles with a range of up to 2,000 km, has already been validated. Phase II, which is currently under development, aims to counter missiles with a range of up to 5,000 km. In parallel, DRDO is advancing the design and testing of systems capable of responding to hypersonic threats, which are expected to become more prevalent in future conflicts.
The Kusha program is also being developed to support India’s broader mission of reducing import dependence on critical defense systems. While the first M1 variant is expected to be completed in the next couple of years, the full deployment of the system is projected by 2030. The long-range nature of the interceptors gives India the ability to respond to threats at a distance, especially on the Western border, where the proximity of adversaries increases the urgency for early engagement. By neutralizing threats far from population centers and strategic assets, the Kusha system not only enhances security but also provides the Indian armed forces with a strategic advantage.