Defence Minister & UP CM Flag-Off First Batch of BrahMos Missiles Made at its Facility in UP

Defence minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath jointly flagged-off the first batch of BrahMos missiles manufactured at the BrahMos Integration and Testing Facility Centre in Lucknow on 18 October 2025.

The state-of-the-art facility, a key component of UP Defence Industrial Corridor, was virtually inaugurated by Singh on 11 May 2025, and within five months, the first batch of missiles was ready for deployment.

Speaking on the occasion, defence minister described BrahMos as not just a missile, but a symbol of the growing indigenous capabilities of the nation. “The missile features a traditional warhead and an advanced guided system and possesses the capability to strike long distances at supersonic speeds. This combination of speed, accuracy, and power makes BrahMos one of the best systems in the world. It has become the backbone of our armed forces,” he added.

Highlighting the role of BrahMos in Operation Sindoor, Singh stated that the missile demonstrated that it has moved far beyond a trial and has become the greatest practical proof of national security. He stated that every inch of Pakistan’s territory is now within the reach of BrahMos. “Operation Sindoor is proof that victory has become a habit for us, and now we must further enhance our capabilities. The operation was just a trailer. It has made Pakistan realise what might follow,” he added.

Defence minister said that today India stands at a point where it is strengthening its security and demonstrating to the world that it is a credible partner in defence and technology. He stressed that achievements such as the BrahMos have proved that Made-in-India is no longer a slogan, but a global brand. “Whether it’s the export of the BrahMos to the Philippines or cooperation with other countries in the future, India is now playing the role of a giver, not just a taker,” he said.

According to Singh, the BrahMos team has signed contracts worth approximately Rs 4,000 crore with two countries in the last one month. He stated that, in the coming years, experts from many countries will visit Lucknow, making the city a centre of knowledge and a leader in defence technology. “The turnover of BrahMos’ Lucknow unit will be around Rs 3,000 crore from the next financial year and the GST collection will be around Rs 500 crore,” he added.

On the 200-acre BrahMos Integration and Testing Facility Centre built at a total cost of Rs 380 crore, defence minister said this project is not just a defence facility, but also a new avenue for employment and development. “In terms of output, approximately 100 missile systems will be produced in the facility every year. Considering the investment coming into Uttar Pradesh and the progress being made in the state, the region is poised to become a symbol of a new era of both development and defence,” he said.

Referring to reports on issues regarding defence spare parts supply chains by some countries, Singh underscored the need to strengthen small industries that produce thousands of components and technologies required for the integration of a major weapon system thereby reducing reliance on others. “As technological development takes place, the supply chain also diversifies. These supply chains are often connected to other countries. If that person, company, or country refuses to supply that spare part, your product will not be manufactured. There is a need to strengthen our small industries so much that we don't have to rely on others for spare parts. Be it advanced seekers or ramjet engines, we must develop all types of technologies indigenously so that our supply chain remains within India,” he said.

In his address, the UP chief minister applauded the progress made in all the six nodes of the UP Defence Industrial Corridor, saying that more than 15,000 youth have received jobs in the state.

The BrahMos facility stands as one of the most significant projects under the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor. It carries out the complete process of assembly, integration, and testing to the highest technical standards. With the dispatch of its first missile consignment, Uttar Pradesh has emerged as a key partner in the national ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ initiative. The Lucknow unit is the first in the corridor to manage the entire manufacturing and testing process indigenously, reinforcing both strategic autonomy and industrial growth.

Both also inaugurated the Booster Building and witnessed a live demonstration of the booster docking process. They also reviewed presentations at the Airframe and Avionics, Pre-Dispatch Inspection, and Warhead Buildings, along with the BrahMos simulator equipment. A display of a mobile autonomous launcher was also organised.