India successfully tests Project Kusha, indigenous air defence shield

In a special broadcast of Battle Cry, host Gaurav Sawant discusses the maiden flight test of DRDO's Project Kusha long-range surface-to-air missile defence system, conducted off the coast of Odisha. The indigenous three-tier missile defence shield successfully intercepted a high-speed, high-altitude simulated target. Project Kusha aims to provide interception at ranges up to 400 kilometres with three missile variants and form a core component of India's multi-layered Sudarshan Chakra Shield. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called the indigenous system a global game-changer, comparing its protective role to Govardhan Parvat. Former Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Anil Khosla and journalist Sandeep Unnithan highlighted how Project Kusha will complement the S-400 Triumf system, reduce dependence on foreign imports, and enhance ground-based air defence capabilities. Utilising advanced long-range radars, artificial intelligence, and multi-tier interceptors, the indigenous system is designed to counter enemy fighter jets, stealth aircraft, drones, and ballistic missiles while significantly boosting India's air defence grid across northern and western borders.