Uttar Pradesh is surging ahead in the defence sector, driven by substantial investments and the Make in India initiative. The state aims to establish itself as a prominent defence manufacturing hub within the country. A significant development in this endeavor is the local production of the indigenous BrahMos missile, with Lucknow selected as the manufacturing site in the Sarojininagar area.
The credit for this achievement goes to Defence Minister and local Member of Parliament Rajnath Singh. The Lucknow BrahMos unit is set to manufacture 80 to 100 missiles annually, starting in 2024. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath enthusiastically stated, “Ab Lucknow muskaraega bhi aur dahaadega bhi” (Lucknow will now smile as well as roar).
Atul D Rane, CEO and MD of BrahMos Aerospace, provided insights into the progress, stating that construction at the Lucknow site, spanning 200 acres, is in full swing. Production of the current version of BrahMos will commence once the facility is operational, with the first missile expected to roll out by mid-2024. The timeline for the next-generation BrahMos missiles (BrahMos-NG) is projected at 5-7 years.
The establishment of this manufacturing hub is set to empower the missile industry consortium in India, fostering an ecosystem for advanced weaponry and technology within the state and the nation. While BrahMos Aerospace plans to deliver 80-100 missiles annually from the Lucknow facility, actual numbers will depend on orders received.
BrahMos-NG offers versatility, capable of launch from submarines, ships, aircraft, or land. With smaller dimensions and increased smart capabilities, it is designed for deployment across a broader range of modern military platforms, bolstering the Indian army’s combat capability.
The project is expected to provide direct employment to 500 engineers and technicians, with an additional 5,000 benefiting indirectly. As ancillary units related to the defence industry are established, an estimated 10,000 more employment opportunities will emerge. Uttar Pradesh is thus poised to become a pivotal player in India’s defence manufacturing landscape.
AFI
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