Lucknow: In a major milestone for India’s defence self-reliance, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath jointly flagged off the first batch of BrahMos missiles produced at the BrahMos Integration and Testing Facility in Lucknow. Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak was also present at the ceremony.
The facility, one of the most crucial components of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, was virtually inaugurated on May 11, 2025, by Rajnath Singh. Remarkably, within just five months, the first consignment of missiles is ready for deployment.
Speaking at the event, Rajnath Singh said, “BrahMos is not just a missile, it is a symbol of the nation’s growing indigenous capabilities.” He highlighted that the missile, equipped with an advanced guidance system and a conventional warhead, can strike long-range targets at supersonic speed with unmatched precision.
“This combination of speed, accuracy and power makes BrahMos one of the best systems in the world. It has become the backbone of our armed forces,” he added.
Referring to the missile’s use in Operation Sindoor, the Defence Minister said BrahMos had proved its operational superiority far beyond trials. “Every inch of Pakistan is now within the range of BrahMos. Operation Sindoor was just a trailer. It showed Pakistan what could happen next. Victory has become our habit, and we must now enhance our capabilities further.”
He emphasised that India is now a “reliable global partner in defence and technology”, and that ‘Made in India’ has transformed into a genuine global brand. “Whether it is the export of BrahMos to the Philippines or future collaborations with other countries, India is no longer just a recipient but a provider. This is the real identity of Atmanirbhar Bharat,” he said.
Rajnath Singh revealed that the BrahMos team has signed contracts worth nearly ₹4,000 crore with two countries in the last month. From next year, the Lucknow facility alone is expected to achieve a turnover of around ₹3,000 crore and generate ₹500 crore in GST annually. He said the 200-acre facility, built at a cost of ₹380 crore, will produce nearly 100 missile systems every year, boosting national security and creating massive employment and economic growth.
“Each missile system not only protects the nation but also strengthens the economy. The revenue from a single missile can fund countless schools and hospitals,” he remarked.
The Defence Minister also stressed on building a robust network of small and medium enterprises to manufacture critical components domestically.
“If even one foreign supplier denies a critical part, the entire system halts. We must develop advanced seekers, ramjet engines and all technologies in India to ensure full control over our supply chain,” he said.
Calling for a strategic roadmap to integrate small entrepreneurs into the defence ecosystem, he said the Defence Corridor will succeed only when both large and small industries grow together.
“I believe Uttar Pradesh will soon become not only a manufacturing hub, but also a centre of innovation and employment,” he said.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath called BrahMos “the missile of self-reliance.” He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rajnath Singh for choosing Lucknow as a key production centre.
“The missiles built in Lucknow guarantee security and prosperity for every citizen,” the CM said. He added that over 15,000 youth have already found employment through projects in the Defence Industrial Corridor.
With the dispatch of its first missile batch, Uttar Pradesh has emerged as a major partner in the national ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ initiative. The Lucknow facility is the first in the corridor to manage the complete manufacturing and testing process indigenously, ensuring strategic autonomy and industrial development.
During the event, Rajnath Singh and Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the Booster Building, witnessed a live booster docking demonstration, and inspected the airframe, avionics, warhead and pre-dispatch inspection units. A demonstration of the Mobile Autonomous Launcher was also conducted.
BrahMos Director General Dr. Jayatirth R. Joshi handed over a GST bill and a cheque of nearly ₹40 crore to the Chief Minister, symbolising the revenue contribution of the facility to the state.
DRDO Chairman and Defence R&D Secretary Dr. Samir V. Kamat and other senior officials were also present.
With this achievement, Lucknow is set to become a global hub for defence technology, knowledge and exports, reshaping India’s strategic and economic future.
