The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) carried out the first flight-test of the 'Kusha' Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LR-SAM) on July 23, 2026. The test was conducted from APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha, India's main missile testing range. A long-range surface-to-air missile is designed to detect and destroy hostile aircraft, drones and incoming missiles at extended distances, forming a key layer of air defence. The successful maiden test is a major step in building an indigenous long-range air defence shield.