India’s Kusha missile test signals step closer to self-reliance for air defence

The locally made missile system is set to be a key part of India’s goal to create a multilayered national defence umbrella by 2035

Developed by the state-run Defence Research and Development Organisation, the system is expected to become a key part of the two-phase Mission Sudarshan Chakra, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s plan for a multilayered national defence umbrella against ballistic missiles, fighter aircraft, drones and other threats by 2035.

The Indian air force leadership has hailed the S-400’s performance in last year’s military conflict with Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, saying the system had intercepted five Pakistani fighter jets and an early warning and surveillance aircraft.

Ravi Gopal Krishna Kapoor, a retired air marshal with the Indian Air Force, said the Kusha could be easily integrated into the country’s air defence architecture as it was a domestically developed system.

“The threats are multiplying with the proliferation of drones and missiles further complicated by fifth-generation fighters. The best way of air denial is to have a robust integrated multilayered air defence system capable of detecting, identifying, engaging and destroying intruders,” Kapoor said.