Lucknow, October 18: In a major milestone for India’s defence manufacturing and strategic capabilities, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday flagged off the first batch of BrahMos missiles produced at the BrahMos Integration and Testing Facility in Lucknow. The facility, part of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC), began operations just five months after its virtual inauguration in May.
Describing BrahMos as more than a missile, Singh called it a “symbol of India’s growing indigenous defence capabilities,” emphasizing its speed, precision, and destructive power as key assets of the Indian armed forces. “Every inch of Pakistan’s territory is now within the reach of BrahMos,” he said, referencing Operation Sindoor, describing the military operation as “just a trailer” that demonstrated India’s strategic strength.
Built at a cost of ₹380 crore across 200 acres, the Lucknow facility is designed to produce around 100 missile systems annually. Singh noted that the project would also generate employment, drive economic growth, and contribute approximately ₹500 crore in GST, with an expected turnover of ₹3,000 crore from the next financial year.
Highlighting the global potential of India’s defence exports, Singh revealed that BrahMos Aerospace recently signed contracts worth around ₹4,000 crore with two countries. He stressed the importance of developing indigenous supply chains and integrating small and medium enterprises into India’s defence production ecosystem to ensure strategic self-reliance.
CM Adityanath hailed the development as a milestone in India’s pursuit of Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance). “The BrahMos missile is a symbol of India’s strength and self-sufficiency,” he said, adding that over 15,000 youths have already secured employment through initiatives under the Defence Corridor.
During the visit, Singh and Adityanath inaugurated the Booster Building and reviewed critical components of missile production, including the Airframe and Avionics sections, Warhead buildings, and the BrahMos simulator. A demonstration of the mobile autonomous launcher and booster docking process was also conducted.
Dr Jaytirth R. Joshi, Director General of BrahMos Aerospace, handed over a GST cheque of approximately ₹40 crore to the Chief Minister, showcasing the facility’s revenue potential.
The Lucknow Integration and Testing Facility is the first in the Defence Corridor to manage the entire missile production process, from assembly to testing, establishing the city as a key hub for India’s strategic missile programme and defence technology expertise.
