India To Commence Flight Trials Of S-400 Comparable Project Kusha Missiles From 2026, Induction Likely From 2030 Onwards: Report

India is preparing to begin flight trials of new long-range interceptor missiles from next year under Project Kusha, a central component of Mission Sudarshan Chakra (MSC) that seeks to build a multi-layered air and missile defence shield across the country by 2035, Times of India reported.

The first missile, codenamed M1, will undergo testing in 2026. With a strike range of 150 km, it is designed to neutralise hostile aircraft, drones, stealth fighters, cruise missiles and precision weapons, ToI reported citing top sources.

This will be followed by M2 (250 km) in 2027 and M3 (350 km) in 2028.

If development stays on track, the system could be ready for induction around 2030.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is leading the programme, which aims to deliver a fully automated long-range surface-to-air missile system comparable to Russia’s S-400 Triumf, currently in use by the Indian Air Force.

Unlike the Israeli Iron Dome, which defends a compact territory, India’s proposed shield will need to cover a vast geographical span.

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, speaking at the ‘Ran Samwad’ conclave in Mhow, noted that the shield would require a “colossal amount of integration” of technologies ranging from kinetic weapons and lasers to intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets across land, sea, air and space.

Stressing a whole-of-nation approach, he added, “It will act both as a shield and sword.”

The MSC plan will also be bolstered by India’s growing arsenal of conventional missiles such as Pralay, BrahMos and long-range cruise missiles, alongside directed energy weapons.

A recent DRDO test of an integrated air defence system including QRSAMs, VSHORADS and a 30 kilowatt laser marked an early step towards this ambitious shield.

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