DRDO Tests Kusha Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile

Key Points

• It is designed to intercept fighter jets, cruise missiles, drones, stealth platforms, and high-value airborne assets like AWACS.

• Range Variants: Features three distinct interceptor types:

  • M1: Engages targets up to 150 km

  • M2: Engages targets up to 250 km

  • M3: Engages long-range targets at 350 to 400 km

• The test aims to reduce India's import dependency in long-range surface-to-air missile technology, induction into service is expected between 2028 and 2030.

• List of India's long-range surface-to-air missiles and their ranges:

  • S-400 Triumf: Up to 400 km

  • Barak 8 ER: 150 km to 200 km

  • MRSAM: 70 km to 100 km