According to Defense News, the Indian military has tested the Kusha surface-to-air missile system, which could eventually serve as a domestic alternative to Russia’s S-400.
Citing the Indian Defense Ministry, the publication reported that the system successfully struck an electronic aerial target during the trial. The ministry described the result as a major step in India’s program to develop its own air defense capabilities.
India currently operates the Barak-8, developed with Israeli involvement and capable of engaging targets at ranges of up to 70 kilometers, as well as the Russian S-400, which can intercept aerial threats at distances of up to 400 kilometers.
The Kusha program calls for three versions of the system with ranges of 150, 250 and 350–400 kilometers. This lineup is intended to bridge the gap between the Barak-8 and the S-400.
Defense News noted that the longest-range Kusha variant would effectively occupy the same category as the Russian system. The publication also suggested that New Delhi’s existing number of S-400 units may prove insufficient for future conflicts.
In April, India approved a $25 billion military modernization package. The plan includes the purchase of five additional S-400 systems from Russia, along with transport aircraft.