China's State Media Acknowledges India's Kusha Missile Trial as a Major Leap Toward Homegrown Multi-Tiered Air Defence Capability
Summary
India's first successful test of the Kusha long-range surface-to-air missile system on July 23, conducted from APJ Abdul Kalam Island off Odisha, represents a landmark achievement in the country's pursuit of indigenous air defence self-reliance, as noted by Chinese media outlet SCMP. Developed by DRDO in partnership with domestic industry, Kusha is engineered to counter a broad range of aerial threats including fighter jets, cruise missiles, drones, and strategic bombers, featuring three interceptor variants with engagement ranges extending from 150 km to 350-400 km at speeds up to Mach 5.5. The system forms a central pillar of Mission Sudarshan Chakra, Prime Minister Modi's ambitious two-phase programme to construct a comprehensive multi-layered national air defence umbrella by 2035, with Kusha serving as the outer defensive layer complementing existing systems like Akash. While India currently operates four squadrons of Russia's S-400 Triumf, retired Air Marshal Kapoor warned that import dependency creates vulnerabilities through supply-chain disruptions and cost escalations, as evidenced by delayed deliveries caused by Russia's ongoing Ukraine commitments. Kusha's indigenous design allows for seamless domestic integration and upgrades, with experts highlighting its potential to not only defend against but also deny adversaries the ability to launch weapons, as demonstrated during Operation Sindoor.
Key Takeaways
- 1. **Strategic Self-Reliance:** Kusha's successful test reduces India's dependence on foreign air defence systems like Russia's S-400 and Israel's Barak, directly addressing supply-chain vulnerabilities exposed by Russia-Ukraine conflict-related delivery delays
- 2. **Advanced Technical Capabilities:** With three missile variants covering ranges up to 350-400 km, Mach 5.5 speeds, dual RF/infrared guidance, and GaN-based AESA radar technology, Kusha positions India among elite nations possessing sophisticated long-range air defence systems
- 3. **Mission Sudarshan Chakra Framework:** Kusha is the cornerstone of India's 2035 multi-layered defence shield, designed to protect both strategic and civilian assets against ballistic missiles, stealth aircraft, drones, and precision-guided munitions
- 4. **Operational Lessons from Operation Sindoor:** The conflict demonstrated both the effectiveness of the S-400 against Pakistan and the strategic risks of import dependency, reinforcing the urgency of indigenous alternatives capable of both defensive and limited offensive denial roles
- 5. **Geopolitical Significance:** China's acknowledgment through SCMP of India's growing indigenous missile defence capability signals international recognition of India's advancing defence-industrial base and its shifting strategic posture in the Indo-Pacific region