In a significant leap towards India's goal of self-reliance in defence, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath jointly flagged off the first batch of formidable BrahMos supersonic missiles from the new BrahMos Aerospace facility in Lucknow on Saturday. This event marks a pivotal moment for the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC) and underscores a strategic shift towards indigenising the nation's defence manufacturing capabilities.
The newly inaugurated integration and test facility, located in Sarojini Nagar, Lucknow, is the source of this milestone. Inaugurated just months ago on May 11, 2025, this state-of-the-art unit is equipped with all modern amenities required for the complex processes of missile integration, rigorous testing, and final quality assurance. Following successful validation, these cutting-edge missile systems are dispatched for deployment with the Indian Armed Forces, enhancing the nation's combat readiness.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, addressing the gathering, hailed the occasion as the "foundation of a self-reliant India." He highlighted the proactive steps taken by the state government to foster this ecosystem, stating, "So far, we have made available over 2,500 acres of land for this purpose in six nodes. Through this, over 15,000 youth in the state have found employment."
Emphasising the economic benefits and the state's commitment, Adityanath revealed a telling financial insight. After receiving a GST cheque of ₹40 crore, he immediately reassured the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of the state's full support. "I told the DRDO again, ‘Tell me how much land you need; we will provide it for you here’," he said. Projecting the future revenue, the Chief Minister added, "When 100 BrahMos missiles are manufactured each year, and the capacity will increase to 150 in the future, the state government will receive ₹150 to 200 crore annually through GST from these missiles."
The event was attended by a host of dignitaries, including Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak and Minister Nand Gopal Gupta Nandi, along with senior officials, signifying the collective political and administrative will behind this ambitious project.
The successful rollout of the first missile batch from Lucknow is more than just an industrial achievement; it is a powerful symbol of India's growing prowess in defence technology. It seamlessly aligns with the central government's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) vision, transforming the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor from a plan on paper into a live hub of high-tech manufacturing that promises security, jobs, and economic prosperity.
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