LUCKNOW: The inauguration of the BrahMos Integration and Testing Facility coincides with National Technology Day. On this day in 1998, under Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s leadership, India demonstrated its capabilities through nuclear tests in Pokhran, which was achieved through the dedicated efforts of scientists, engineers, and defence personnel,” said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh while addressing the gathering on the inauguration of the BrahMos Integration and Testing Facility Centre in Lucknow via virtual mode from New Delhi.He said, “The inauguration of the facility holds personal significance as it fulfils my vision of Lucknow’s contribution to India’s defence sector. The project, completed in 40 months by chief minister Yogi Adityanath’s regime, is commendable.”Spread over 200 acres, the Lucknow facility will roll out existing BrahMos missiles to meet increased demand, but its specific purpose is to manufacture BrahMos NG (next generation) missiles. On average, 70-100 missiles will be produced per year. The Lucknow facility will become a major integration centre for the missile and will require a robust supply chain. Tier 1, 2 & 3 suppliers are expected to move operations to Lucknow and join the defence corridor. Industries such as the PTC industry, and many more, are expected to join.These industries are spread over Noida, Greater Noida, Kanpur, and other places. The facility will create employment for at least 25,000 people over five years. “BrahMos facility will strengthen India’s efforts towards self-reliance in defence and contribute to the socio-economic development of the region by generating significant direct and indirect employment,” Rajnath said.He stated, “BrahMos is not just one of the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missiles, but a message of the strength of the Indian Armed Forces, a message of deterrence to adversaries, and a message of the nation’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding its borders.” He added that BrahMos is a confluence of top defence technologies of India and Russia.Quoting the Missile Man of India and Former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, who said, ‘Unless India stands up to the world, no one will respect us. In this world, fear has no place, only strength respects strength,’ Rajnath stated that India is one of the most powerful nations today and the centre will help in further strengthening India’s power.Terming the BrahMos facility in Lucknow as a matter of pride for the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC), Rajnath Singh stated that it has already created around 500 direct and 1,000 indirect jobs, reflecting the state’s growing stature as a defence manufacturing hub. “A total of 180 MoUs have, so far, been signed in UPDIC with a proposed investment of Rs 34,000 crore, and an investment of Rs 4,000 crore has already been made. Major investments have been made in aircraft manufacturing, UAVs, drones, ammunition, composite and critical materials, small arms, textile and parachute, etc.The highlight is that the participation of both public sector and private sectors is being witnessed. In Lucknow itself, titanium and super alloy material plants are being started by PTC Industries Limited. In addition, the foundation of seven additional critical projects is being laid. This would accelerate the pace of India’s self-reliance in the defence sector,” the defence minister said.Citing a recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, which said that global military expenditure has risen to USD 2,718 billion in 2024, Rajnath stated that such a massive market is an opportunity India must seize. “The launch of the BrahMos facility is a firm stride towards making India a significant player in the world’s defence production ecosystem,” he said.“Given the current circumstances, it is crucial that we continue to achieve our goals in a time-bound and efficient manner,” he said. He credited the state govt for creating a strong development ecosystem and implementing initiatives such as setting up of UPDIC, establishment of DRDO’s Defence Technology and Test Centre in Lucknow, and hosting DefExpo in 2020.
