India announces successful test of long-range surface-to-air missile

New Delhi, July 23 (KUNA) -- India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) announced on Thursday the successful test of a domestically produced long-range surface-to-air missile, the Koushik, launched from Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha state in eastern India. The Indian Ministry of Defence said in a statement that “the Koushik missile test was conducted against an electronic target simulating a high-speed aerial threat at high altitude, and the missile system successfully intercepted and destroyed the target.” The statement added that “the Koushik missile system is capable of neutralizing a wide range of aerial threats, including fighter aircraft, missiles, and large hostile drones, across a broad spectrum of ranges and altitudes.” In this context, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the successful missile test marks an important milestone in India’s defense capabilities, highlighting the country’s ability to develop a long-range surface-to-air missile system, thereby contributing to ending reliance on imports for such systems. It is worth noting that the missiles, radars, command and control center, and other components of this weapon system were developed by various laboratories under DRDO and partners from the industrial sector. (End) A.A.K./A.B.K.