India’s Kusha missile test signals step closer to self-reliance for air defence

India’s first test of its Kusha long-range surface-to-air missile system is seen as a milestone that could pave the way for New Delhi to bolster its home-grown air defence network and meet the challenges of future conflicts. Developed by the state-run Defence Research and Development Organisation, the system is expected to become a key part of the two-phase Mission Sudarshan Chakra, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s plan for a multilayered national defence umbrella against ballistic missiles,...