Image Source img.etimg.com
In a major boost to India’s defence manufacturing capabilities, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday flagged off the first batch of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles produced at the BrahMos Aerospace unit in Lucknow. The event marked a milestone in India’s journey toward self-reliance in advanced weapon systems under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
The BrahMos manufacturing facility, inaugurated in 2022, is the country’s first dedicated unit for the indigenous production of the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missile. The Lucknow unit will play a crucial role in meeting the growing domestic and export demands for BrahMos systems, designed jointly by India and Russia.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Rajnath Singh said the dispatch of the first missile batch from Lucknow is “a historic step in India’s defence production ecosystem,” highlighting the synergy between public and private sectors in boosting indigenous capability. He added that India is steadily moving toward becoming a global hub for defence exports.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath hailed the facility as a “symbol of Uttar Pradesh’s emerging role in national defence manufacturing,” noting that the BrahMos unit has generated thousands of direct and indirect jobs in the region. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting defence corridors and high-tech industries in the state.
Officials said the missiles produced at the Lucknow facility will initially cater to the Indian Armed Forces, with future production aimed at meeting export requirements to friendly nations. The BrahMos, known for its precision strike capability and Mach 2.8 speed, has been deployed by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force in multiple variants.
Defence analysts said the successful rollout from the Lucknow unit reinforces India’s resolve to reduce import dependence and strengthen deterrence through homegrown technology.
[Newsroom staff written original, where key claims or facts are used, I’ve referenced the original sources (like The Times of India, Hindustan Times, etc.) transparently.]
