In a significant development amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, the production of the world’s most powerful supersonic cruise missile, BrahMos, is set to begin in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, official sources said here on Thursday.
Sources said that the move comes under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s ambitious Defence Industrial Corridor, with the Lucknow node playing a key role in this national security initiative.
“On May 11, the BrahMos missile manufacturing unit will be officially inaugurated, marking a historic milestone in India’s defence manufacturing journey,” they said.
Sources said that set up by BrahMos Aerospace with a Rs 300 crore investment, the unit marks a major stride toward self-reliance in defence.
“In December 2021, the Yogi government provided 80 hectares of land free of cost, and completing the plant from construction to production in just 3.5 years reflects the state’s strong commitment,” they said.
ACEO of Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) Shrihari Pratap Shahi said the state government, under CM Yogi’s vision, not only provided free land for the BrahMos project, but also closely monitored its progress, enabling completion within just 3.5 years.
“The Lucknow node will also produce other defence equipment, giving the city and the state a new identity in the defence sector,” he said.
He further said that amid rising India-Pakistan tensions, setting up the BrahMos missile unit in UP is a major strategic move.
“It will bolster India’s military strength and position UP as a key contributor to national security and defence-driven development,” he said.
This will also be the first advanced, hi-tech unit of its kind in the state. It will help grow the aerospace industry and bring modern manufacturing technologies to UP. The start of the BrahMos project will give many opportunities to existing aerospace companies in UP based on their work and experience. New technology for machinery and testing will also be developed.
This project will also create jobs. Around 500 engineers and technicians will get direct employment. Besides, thousands of skilled, semi-skilled, and general workers will get indirect employment opportunities. Many people will also get jobs in industries that support this unit.
It may be noted that BrahMos Aerospace was created as a joint venture between the Indian government’s DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) and ‘JSC’ ‘MIC’ NPO Mashinostroyenia (NPOM) of the Russian Government.
The name ‘BrahMos’ comes from two famous rivers, Brahmaputra (symbolising strength) and Moskva (symbolising peace).
BrahMos Aerospace was set up with 50.5 percent Indian and 49.5 percent Russian ownership and it is the first defence joint venture of its kind established by the Indian government with a foreign government.
BrahMos Aerospace is responsible for the design, development, production and marketing of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, with strong contributions from both Indian and Russian industries.
