SOURCE: AFI
Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, is poised to become a pivotal hub for India’s defense manufacturing with the upcoming inauguration of a BrahMos supersonic cruise missile production unit. Built as a joint venture between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya, the BrahMos missile is a cornerstone of India’s defense arsenal, known for its speed, precision, and versatility.
The new facility, set to be inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on May 11, underscores India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense production and the strategic importance of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor.
The BrahMos manufacturing unit, with an investment of Rs 300 crore, is designed to produce 80 to 100 missiles annually, significantly enhancing India’s defense capabilities. The foundation stone for the facility was laid in 2021, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor during the 2018 Global Investors’ Summit. The corridor, envisioned as a catalyst for indigenous defense production, is part of the broader ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives.
The unit is located in the Lucknow node of the corridor, where approximately 80 acres of land have been allocated for BrahMos Aerospace. Additionally, 117 hectares in the same node have been allotted to 12 other companies, including Aerolloy Technologies, a firm whose products have been integral to high-profile missions like Chandrayaan and are used in fighter aircraft.
The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, named after the Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers, is one of the fastest in its class, capable of reaching speeds of Mach 2.8 (nearly three times the speed of sound). With a range of approximately 290 km and ongoing efforts to extend it further, the missile can be launched from land, sea, air, and submarines. Its stealth features and precision-guidance systems make it a critical asset for the Indian armed forces, particularly in countering maritime threats and enhancing deterrence.
A senior official from UPEIDA highlighted the significance of the BrahMos unit, stating, “The inauguration of the BrahMos unit worth Rs 300 crore will certainly be a big boost to the project in the state. About 1,600 hectares of land have been allotted for the defence corridor project in the first phase, with big companies having already signed MOUs.”
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