BrahMos Missile: A Symbol of India’s Power – 100 Missiles to Be Produced from Lucknow by 2026, Alarming China and Pakistan

On the morning of May 7, the Indian Army launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ against Pakistan. Through this operation, India sent a clear message to Pakistan that every part of its territory that shelters terrorism will be destroyed. Now, whenever Pakistan attempts to sponsor terrorism again, it will surely remember the outcome of Operation Sindoor. The objective of the operation was to destroy terrorist camps operating within Pakistan. Consequently, when Pakistan attempted a retaliatory strike, India’s indigenous drones, missiles, and satellite systems destroyed its Chinese-imported air defense systems and obliterated their airbases.

India Advances Defense Capabilities with BrahMos Missile Unit

Missile Manufacturing Unit Inaugurated in Lucknow

In the same vein, India has taken another major step to strengthen its defense capabilities. On Sunday, a state-of-the-art manufacturing unit for the world’s most dangerous supersonic cruise missile BrahMos was inaugurated at the Lucknow node of the Uttar Pradesh Defense Industrial Corridor. The inauguration was carried out by India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. The establishment of the BrahMos missile production center in the capital city of Lucknow will elevate the state as a leader in defense manufacturing. This project is being built under the Uttar Pradesh Defense Industrial Corridor, with the primary objective of achieving self-reliance in the defense sector.

Inauguration of Titanium and Super Alloys Materials Plant

Launch of Strategic Materials Technology Complex

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh also inaugurated the Titanium and Super Alloys Materials Plant, officially named the Strategic Materials Technology Complex. This advanced facility will produce specialized materials for aerospace and defense applications, which will also be used in future space missions like Chandrayaan and in modern fighter aircraft. Additionally, the integration and testing facility of BrahMos Aerospace was also launched, which will play a vital role in testing and ensuring the quality of these missiles.

Prime Minister Modi’s Vision for Defense Manufacturing

Defense Industrial Corridor Plan Since 2018

In 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisioned the Defense Industrial Corridor in Uttar Pradesh, with the goal of making the state self-reliant in defense production. This ambitious project is being developed with key nodes in Lucknow, Kanpur, Aligarh, Agra, Jhansi, and Chitrakoot, where large-scale investments are being made to promote defense manufacturing.

Establishment of the Manufacturing Center in Lucknow

Strategic Location and High-Tech Production Plans

The BrahMos missile production facility is being established over approximately 200 acres of land in the Sarojini Nagar area of Lucknow. The Uttar Pradesh government has leased the land for just one rupee. This facility will be equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, and it will develop next-generation (NG) variants of the BrahMos missile, which may be smaller in size, lighter in weight, but more intelligent and efficient in performance.

Foundation Laid in December 2021

The foundation stone of this project was laid in December 2021 by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. He had stated that the center would make India fully self-reliant in the defense sector and significantly boost the country’s security capabilities.

The History of the BrahMos Missile

Origins and Partnership with Russia

The name BrahMos is derived from the names of two rivers—India’s Brahmaputra and Russia’s Moskva. This missile is a joint venture between India and Russia. In 1998, both countries jointly formed a company named BrahMos Aerospace, which developed this supersonic missile.

Operational Since 2001

The first successful test of BrahMos was conducted in 2001. Since then, the missile has been inducted into all three branches of India’s armed forces—Army, Navy, and Air Force. Its biggest strength lies in its speed and precision. It can strike targets approximately 290 km away at speeds of around Mach 2.8 (nearly three times the speed of sound), leaving the enemy with virtually no time to react.

BrahMos: India’s Power Weapon

Multi-Platform, Supersonic Capabilities

The BrahMos missile, developed by the Indo-Russian joint venture BrahMos Aerospace, is a type of supersonic cruise missile. It can fly at nearly three times the speed of sound (Mach 2.8), with a strike range of around 290 kilometers. It is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads. The most remarkable feature of BrahMos is its multi-platform compatibility—it can be launched from land, sea, and air, making it a highly versatile weapon for India’s armed forces.

Production Timeline

Manufacturing to Begin in 2026

Production at the BrahMos missile center is expected to commence in 2026. According to the initial plan, 80 to 100 BrahMos missiles will be produced annually. The facility is expected to not only meet India’s defense needs but also expand potential for exports in the future.

A Step Toward Self-Reliance in Defense

Boosting Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India

The establishment of the BrahMos missile production unit is a major initiative under India’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat campaigns. This center will not only promote self-reliance in defense production but will also help improve the economic conditions of the state. Furthermore, it will place Lucknow on the global defense map. The setup of a BrahMos missile manufacturing center in the capital is a matter of immense pride for both Uttar Pradesh and India. This initiative will strengthen India’s position in the global defense industry and enhance national security.

New Avenues of Employment

Job Creation for Thousands in Uttar Pradesh

Under this project, approximately 500 engineers and technicians will be directly employed. In addition, around 5,000 people will get indirect employment opportunities. The establishment of allied units associated with the defense industry is expected to create jobs for around 10,000 people. Thus, the project is set to open a new path of employment for many of the youth in the state.