Defense Minister Rajnath Singh actually revealed the Brahmin aerospace integration and testing facility in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh on Sunday. The state-of-the-art facility, built at Rs 3 billion, is part of India’s strategic effort to improve its indigenous defensive manufacturing capabilities.
Located in Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, the facility covers 200 acres and is designed to produce up to 100 Brahmos Supersonic Cruise missiles per year. Through a joint venture between the Indian Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Russian NPO Mashinostroyeniya, the Brahmos missile ranges from 290 to 400 km and has a maximum speed of Mach 2.8. It can be launched from land, sea or air platforms and run on the “Fire and Forget” guidance system.
In addition to the standard Brahmos variant, the facility will also produce the next-generation Brahmos-NG missile. The premium versions weigh about 1,290 kg, a significant reduction from the current 2,900 kg, allowing platforms like the Sukhoi Fighter to carry three Brahmos-NG missiles simultaneously. The extended strike range of the next-generation missile will be more than 300 kilometers, enhancing its operational versatility.
The inauguration also marked the launch of the titanium and superalloy materials factory, known as the Strategic Materials Technology Complex. The facility will produce advanced materials necessary for aerospace and defense manufacturing. In addition, the foundation stone of the National Defense Testing Infrastructure System (DTIS) is laid, which will serve as a hub for testing and certification of various defense products.
The Brahmos aerospace integration and testing facility is an important milestone in India’s journey of self-reliance in the defense manufacturing industry. It highlights the country’s commitment to strengthen its indigenous capacity and enhance its strategic deterrence posture. The establishment of the facility is expected to create many jobs in the region and promote technological advancement.
The Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor covers six nodes, namely Lucknow, Kanpur, Aligarh, Agra, Jhansi and Chitrakoot, aiming to attract substantial investment in the defence manufacturing industry. Uttar Pradesh is the second state after Tamil Nadu to establish such a corridor, thus enhancing its emerging role in national security and strategic manufacturing.
This development follows the recent Sindor Operation, a time when military tensions intensify with Pakistan are intensifying. The inauguration of Brahmin facilities is seen as a strategic move to promote India’s defense preparation and enhance its deterrence capabilities in the region.
