Rajnath Singh Launches BrahMos Manufacturing Facility in Lucknow

On May 11, 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh virtually inaugurated the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile production facility at the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor in Lucknow. Built with an investment of ₹300 crore, the unit aims to manufacture 80–100 BrahMos missiles annually, significantly enhancing India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing amid growing regional security concerns.

Why in News?

The inauguration of the BrahMos missile manufacturing facility has brought India a step closer to achieving defence self-sufficiency under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative. It comes at a time of heightened military tensions with Pakistan and marks a critical milestone in indigenous missile production, particularly with the production of next-generation BrahMos variants.

Key Features of the BrahMos Missile Production Unit

• Location: Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, Lucknow node
• Cost: ₹300 crore
• Annual Capacity: 80–100 BrahMos missiles, 100–150 next-generation BrahMos missiles
• Built On: 80 hectares of land provided free by UP government
• Completion Time: 3.5 years
• Inaugurated by: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh (virtually)
• Other attendees: UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath

About BrahMos Missile

• Type: Supersonic cruise missil
• Developed by: BrahMos Aerospace (India-Russia joint venture)
• Speed: Up to Mach 2.8
• Range: 290–400 km
• Launch Capability: Land, sea, and air
• Guidance System: Fire-and-forget

Next-Generation BrahMos

• Weight: 1,290 kg (reduced from 2,900 kg)
• Strike Range: Over 300 km
• Air Capability: Sukhoi jets to carry 3 missiles instead of 1
• Production Readiness: To be delivered within one year

Aim and Objectives

• Strategic Move: The facility is set to enhance India’s defence manufacturing capabilities, producing BrahMos missiles and other defence equipment.
• Technological Growth: This project will introduce advanced manufacturing technologies to Uttar Pradesh, supporting the aerospace industry’s growth.
• Job Creation: The establishment of the unit will create around 500 direct jobs for engineers and technicians, and thousands more in indirect employment.

Background

• BrahMos Aerospace: A joint venture between India’s DRDO and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyenia, BrahMos Aerospace is responsible for the design, development, and production of BrahMos missiles.
• Location and Investment: The facility in Lucknow, developed with a ₹300 crore investment, is situated on land allotted free of cost by the state government in December 2021. It is set to be a first-of-its-kind hi-tech unit in the state.
• Defense Corridor: Along with BrahMos, Uttar Pradesh has allocated land to other defence companies as part of its Defence Corridor initiative, with an expected creation of over 3,000 jobs.

Significance

• Strategic Defence Position: With growing regional tensions, this facility will bolster India’s defence strength.
• Economic Contribution: The project will contribute to local economic growth, establishing Lucknow as a hub for the production of ammunition, missile systems, drones, and more.
• Technology Transfer: New technologies and machinery will be developed as part of this project, benefiting the broader aerospace sector.