India's Missile Might Soars: First Lucknow-Made BrahMos Batch Launched

In a momentous leap for India's indigenous defence capabilities, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath jointly flagged off the inaugural batch of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles produced at the state-of-the-art facility in Lucknow. This landmark event underscores India's unwavering commitment to self-reliance in defence, significantly bolstering national security and marking a new chapter in the nation's journey towards becoming a global defence manufacturing powerhouse.

The cutting-edge BrahMos manufacturing unit, strategically located within the Lucknow node of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, represents a cornerstone of the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) initiative.

Conceived with an investment of Rs 300 crore and inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2021, this facility is poised to become a vibrant hub of technological innovation and skilled employment.

Speaking at the ceremony, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized India's transformative journey from a major defence importer to a burgeoning exporter.

"Today, India isn't just procuring defence equipment; we are manufacturing it with pride and precision," Singh stated, highlighting the strategic importance of projects like the BrahMos unit. He reiterated the government's vision to empower domestic industry and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath lauded Uttar Pradesh's pivotal role in actualizing the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' vision.

He underlined the rapid industrial growth across the state, with the Defence Industrial Corridor emerging as a beacon of progress. "This facility is not merely building missiles; it's building a stronger, more secure India," Adityanath remarked, noting the immense potential for job creation, with projections of 5,000 direct and 10,000 indirect employment opportunities.

The BrahMos missile, a result of a highly successful joint venture between India and Russia, is renowned globally for its supersonic speed, pinpoint accuracy, and devastating effectiveness.

Its production in India, especially from a facility within a dedicated defence corridor, showcases a robust ecosystem for advanced manufacturing and technological prowess.

Uttar Pradesh, with its six burgeoning nodes in the Defence Industrial Corridor, is rapidly transforming into a crucial hub for defence production.

This initiative is attracting significant investments, fostering technological exchange, and creating a skilled workforce, all contributing to India's strategic autonomy and its ambition to emerge as a formidable force in global defence manufacturing.