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. The Indian air force leadership has hailed the S-400’s performance in last year’s military conflict with Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, saying the system had intercepted five Pakistani fighter jets and an early warning and surveillance aircraft. Ravi Gopal Krishna Kapoor, a retired air marshal with the Indian Air Force, said the Kusha could be easily integrated into the country’s air defence architecture as it was a domestically developed system. “The threats are multiplying with the proliferation of drones and missiles further complicated by fifth-generation fighters. The best way of air denial is to have a robust integrated multilayered air defence system capable of detecting, identifying, engaging and destroying intruders,” Kapoor said.