Marking a decisive leap towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing (Aatmanirbhar Bharat), Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath jointly flagged off the first batch of BrahMos missiles produced at the newly operational BrahMos Integration and Testing Facility Centre in Lucknow. The cutting-edge facility, established under the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, reflects India’s growing technological independence and its transformation into a global defence hub.
Symbol of Indigenous Excellence
Speaking at the ceremony, Shri Rajnath Singh hailed the BrahMos system as far more than a missile—calling it a symbol of India’s indigenous technological prowess. Equipped with traditional warheads and sophisticated guided systems capable of striking at supersonic speeds, he described BrahMos as the “backbone of the Armed Forces.”
Referring to its performance in Operation Sindoor, he emphasized that BrahMos has evolved from a test platform into a symbol of operational strength. “Every inch of Pakistan’s territory is now within the reach of BrahMos,” the Defence Minister asserted, underscoring the missile’s deterrence capability.
Strategic Vision and Global Impact
The Raksha Mantri reaffirmed that the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, launched under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership, has transformed Indian defence manufacturing into a global brand. Citing recent export contracts worth ₹4,000 crore with two foreign nations, he emphasized that India has now become a giver in global defence cooperation rather than a mere buyer.
He projected that Lucknow would soon become a global defence technology hub, with the BrahMos unit expected to achieve an annual turnover of ₹3,000 crore and generate ₹500 crore in GST revenue by the next fiscal year.
Expanding the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor
Built on a 200-acre site at a cost of ₹380 crore, the BrahMos Integration and Testing Facility Centre is designed to produce nearly 100 missile systems annually. Shri Rajnath Singh described the project as a beacon of economic and strategic growth, anticipated to create thousands of jobs in the region.
The Defence Minister stressed that the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor will only reach its full potential when small and medium enterprises flourish alongside large manufacturers. The initiative aims to build strong linkages between major defence corporations and local entrepreneurs, making Uttar Pradesh a centre for both innovation and manufacturing.
Reducing Dependency and Strengthening Supply Chains
Highlighting global concerns about defence supply chains, Shri Rajnath Singh called for deep indigenisation of critical components. “We must develop all types of technologies such as advanced seekers and ramjet engines indigenously so that our supply chain remains within India,” he said.
He encouraged a structured roadmap to integrate small enterprises into the defence manufacturing ecosystem, ensuring that India’s entire weapon system supply chain becomes self-sustaining and globally competitive.
Boosting the Economy through Defence Production
The Defence Minister also underlined the fiscal benefits of the defence sector, noting that each BrahMos missile contributes significantly to government revenues through GST collections. “Every system delivered not only secures the nation but strengthens its economy. The taxes from a single missile can fund schools, hospitals, and welfare schemes,” he highlighted.
Chief Minister’s Address: Lucknow as a Hub of Aatmanirbharta
Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath described the BrahMos project as a “missile of self-reliance,” symbolizing the growing confidence of India’s defence ecosystem. He thanked Prime Minister Modi and Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh for selecting Lucknow as a node in the national effort toward defence self-sufficiency.
He further announced that more than 15,000 youth have gained employment through projects under the UP Defence Industrial Corridor, affirming the state’s emergence as a manufacturing and innovation hub in national security.
Highlights of the Event
During the occasion, Shri Rajnath Singh and Shri Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the Booster Building and observed a live booster docking demonstration. They reviewed presentations at the Airframe and Avionics, Pre-Dispatch Inspection, and Warhead units, and witnessed a display of the BrahMos mobile autonomous launcher.
DG (BrahMos) Dr. Jaytirth R. Joshi handed over a GST cheque of approximately ₹40 crore to the Chief Minister, symbolizing the financial benefits of indigenous defence production. The event also saw participation from UP Deputy Chief Minister Shri Brajesh Pathak, DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat, and other dignitaries.
Conclusion
The commissioning of the BrahMos Integration and Testing Facility in Lucknow marks a watershed moment for India’s defence sector under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. It not only enhances the nation’s strategic capabilities but also transforms defence production into a strong driver of economic growth, innovation, and employment. As India advances towards its goal of becoming a global technological leader by 2047, such projects underscore the country’s strategic autonomy and industrial resilience.
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Source: PIB
