India has tested the “Kusha” surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, which could potentially replace the Russian-made S-400 system.
“Elchi” reports that this was stated by the “Defense News” portal.
According to information released citing the Indian Ministry of Defense, during the system’s recent first flight test, it successfully intercepted an electronic simulator of an aerial target; this achievement is considered a “significant milestone” in the country’s indigenous surface-to-air missile program.
The portal notes that the Indian side is currently equipped with, among other systems, the “Barak-8” air defense system, developed with Israeli participation and having a range of 70 kilometers, as well as the Russian-made “S-400” system, which has the capability to intercept aerial targets at a distance of up to 400 kilometers.
“Defense News” reports that the “Kusha” program will fill the gap between the “Barak-8” and S-400 systems, involving the development of three air defense system variants with ranges of 150, 250, and 350–400 km, respectively. According to the publication, the 400 km range “Kusha” system will occupy the same position as the S-400 – a system that New Delhi may consider insufficient for future conflicts.
In April, the same publication reported that India had officially approved a $25 billion large-scale military modernization package; this package includes, among other things, the possibility of purchasing five new S-400 air defense systems from Russia and acquiring transport aircraft.
Yeganə