A landmark moment in India's journey towards defence self-reliance was marked on May 11, with the inauguration of the BrahMos missile manufacturing unit in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. This facility, a part of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, represents a major stride in strengthening India’s indigenous defence production capabilities.
The initiative is deeply aligned with the visionary contributions of Dr. A. Sivathanu Pillai, Founding CEO & MD of BrahMos Aerospace, who pioneered the Indo-Russian joint venture that led to the development of the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missile - BrahMos.
"BrahMos is not just a missile; it is a symbol of India's leadership in the world of precision weaponry," Dr. Pillai had remarked, underlining the technological excellence and international cooperation behind the project.
Dr. Pillai has consistently emphasized the need for indigenous production and strategic autonomy. His vision has been instrumental in ensuring that over 65% of BrahMos components are now produced within India, showcasing the nation's growing competence in high-end defence technologies.
With an investment of rupees 300 crore, this state-of-the-art facility will:
-
Accelerate the production of advanced missile systems,
-
Create a robust high-tech defence ecosystem,
-
Contribute to India's goal of becoming a global defence exporter.
The BrahMos missile, known for its speed, precision, and versatility, remains a cornerstone of India’s strategic deterrence. The new facility will not only serve the operational needs of the armed forces but also foster innovation and collaboration within the defence sector.