Science & TechnologySecurity
News 0 of 21

DRDO Conducts Maiden Flight Test of Indigenous 'Kusha' Long-Range SAM (Range >200 km)

Science & TechSecurity & DefenceCORE
Target:UPSC GS-IIIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link
23 Jul 2026
~2 min
Source: Indian Express
Key Data:Maiden flight test July 23, 2026Range >200 kmAPJ Abdul Kalam Island, OdishaProject KushaIADWSMission Sudarshan Chakra (10-year)
Bodies:DRDOMinistry of Defence
Practice MCQs from today's news ▸
What This Article Covers

1.DRDO conducted the maiden flight test of 'Kusha' Long-Range SAM at APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha, successfully intercepting an electronic target simulating a high-speed, high-altitude aerial threat.

2.The missile system is designed to protect strategic military and civilian assets from fighter jets, missiles, UAVs, and large aircraft within a wide range and altitude envelope.

3.This test is a major milestone in indigenous air defence capability, complementing the IADWS and aligning with Mission Sudarshan Chakra to eliminate import dependency.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · Medium

DRDO successfully flight-tested the indigenous 'Kusha' Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (range >200 km) from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha. This test marks a critical step towards reducing India's import dependency for air defence systems and is part of the larger Project Kusha and Mission Sudarshan Chakra, aiming to create a nationwide security shield within 10 years.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Missile NameKusha (Long-Range SAM)
Range>200 km
Test LocationAPJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha
Test DateJuly 23, 2026
DeveloperDRDO
Related SystemIntegrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS)
National ProjectMission Sudarshan Chakra (10-year timeline)

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Missile Name: Kusha (Long-Range SAM)
  • ›Range: >200 km
  • ›Target this Data: Maiden flight test of Kusha on July 23, 2026 at APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha.
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: DRDO (Ministry of Defence) – developer of the system.
  • ›Target this Project: Project Kusha and Mission Sudarshan Chakra (10-year timeline).

Mastered this topic? Test your knowledge with a full MCQ quiz.

Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which organization developed the 'Kusha' Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) that was successfully flight-tested in July 2026?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the 'Kusha' missile test:

1. The maiden flight test was conducted from the APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.

2. Kusha is a short-range surface-to-air missile with a range of less than 100 km.

3. The test successfully intercepted an electronic target simulating a high-speed, high-altitude aerial threat.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

What is the approximate range of the 'Kusha' Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary strategic objective behind developing the indigenous 'Kusha' Long-Range SAM system?

All 15 MCQs ▸
Read original article from Indian Express
You finished this topic
Practice 3 MCQs from this newsNext Article
Explore Related Topics
Science & TechView Topic MCQs →Security & DefenceView Topic MCQs →
Next Strait of Bab el-Mandeb Crisis: India's 1/3 Trade at Risk, Navy Taskforce Proposed with France & Japan
Related Current Affairs
Security & Defence Current Affairs

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Approves Transfer of DRDO Conventional Missile Tech to Indian Industry

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the transfer of DRDO-developed conventional missile system technologies to Indian defence industry for domestic production. This move aims to boost self-reliance, enhance MSME participation, and strengthen the defence industrial base under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Security & Defence Current Affairs

India Finalises Javelin ATGM Deal via US FMS After 16-Year Process; Co-Production with BDL in Focus

India has finally signed the Letter of Offer and Acceptance for the US-made Javelin anti-tank guided missiles after a 16-year procurement struggle. The deal, routed through Foreign Military Sales, shifts focus to co-assembly and co-production with Bharat Dynamics Limited, while the indigenous MPATGM programme also matures. For exams, remember the chronology: 2010 Javelin attempt → 2014 pivot to Spike → 2017 cancellation → 2019 emergency Spike-LR → 2025 Javelin revival.

Security & Defence Current Affairs

India’s Defence Sector Faces 40-45% Skill Gap in Specialised Roles by 2030, Warns Report

India's defence manufacturing is booming (production at ₹1.78 lakh crore, exports up 62.66%), but a structural talent gap threatens growth. A Quess Corp report warns 40-45% of specialised roles (radar, avionics, quantum communications) could remain unfilled by 2030. The core issue: conventional engineering education lacks the systems-level thinking and field exposure needed for defence deployability.

Science & Tech Current Affairs

HAL's LUH with 60% Indigenous Content Set to Replace Ageing Cheetah/Chetak Fleets

India's military helicopter fleet in the Himalayas is critically ageing, with Cheetah/Chetak helicopters over 50 years old. The indigenous Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) by HAL, with 60% indigenisation and 1,300+ hours of testing, is the strategic solution to enhance operational readiness and self-reliance under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Security & Defence Current Affairs

MoD Signs ₹1,577 Cr Contracts for Loiter Munitions Under 'Buy Indian' Category

The Ministry of Defence has awarded contracts worth ₹1,577 crore to TASL and NIBE for 84 loiter munition systems with 840 munitions, boosting the Indian Army's precision-strike capability up to 100 km. This procurement under the 'Buy Indian' category with 60% indigenous content is a major step towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing.

Security & Defence Current Affairs

PM Modi's 2026 I-Day Address Prioritises Aatmanirbhar Defence, Drones, Hypersonic Tech

PM Modi's 2026 Independence Day address pivots to next-generation defence: drones, counter-drone systems, hypersonic technology, and cybersecurity under Mission Sudarshan Chakra. With India's defence exports reaching about 100 countries, the address signals a shift from being a market for imports to a global supplier — a key theme for Prelims and Mains.

Security & Defence Current Affairs

₹1,943 Crore Deal: Indian Navy Leases 2 MQ-9B Sea Guardian Drones from US for 30 Months

The Ministry of Defence signed a ₹1,943 crore contract to lease two MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones from US firm General Atomics for 30 months, boosting Indian Navy's maritime surveillance capabilities across both eastern and western fronts. This expands the Navy's drone fleet to four units and bridges the gap until delivery of 31 MQ-9Bs ordered in 2024.

Intl. Relations Current Affairs

India-UK Sign IGA for Maritime Electric Propulsion for Navy LPDs, Procure LMM Missiles

India and UK are set to sign an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for developing maritime electric propulsion systems for four Landing Platform Docks (LPDs) for the Indian Navy. Additionally, a second IGA for procurement of British Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMMs) for the Indian Army is imminent. This collaboration includes establishing India's first maritime Land-Based Testing Facility for Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) by GE Vernova and BHEL.

Start Today's Quiz(15 Qs)