India is set to take a significant step forward in its indigenous defence manufacturing journey as the first batch of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, produced at the newly built Lucknow facility, will be officially flagged off on October 18. The event will be led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, marking the formal commencement of large-scale production at the site. This milestone not only strengthens India’s defence capabilities but also symbolises the country’s growing commitment to self-reliance in high-end military technology.
The Lucknow BrahMos facility, located at Bhatgaon within the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, represents one of the most ambitious projects under the Make in India initiative. Constructed at an estimated cost of ₹300 crore over an 80-hectare area, the plant was inaugurated by the Defence Minister on May 11. It features advanced production lines, quality control systems, and a design tailored for efficiency and scalability. The infrastructure has been built to meet stringent defence manufacturing standards, ensuring that each missile produced meets both national and international performance benchmarks.
Initially, the facility is expected to produce between 80 and 100 BrahMos missiles annually, with an eventual target of reaching approximately 150 units per year once production fully stabilises. This expansion plan aims to ensure that India can not only meet its domestic defence requirements but also position itself as a credible exporter of high-precision weapon systems. By integrating local supply chains, the Lucknow plant will significantly contribute to the development of ancillary industries and create new employment opportunities within Uttar Pradesh.
The BrahMos missile itself is a joint venture between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya. India holds a 50.5% stake in the project, while Russia retains 49.5%. Known for its exceptional speed and precision, the BrahMos travels at nearly three times the speed of sound, or Mach 3, and has a strike range varying from 290 to 400 kilometres, depending on the version. The missile can be launched from land-based platforms, aircraft, and naval vessels, giving it high tactical versatility. Its “fire-and-forget” capability, coupled with radar evasion features, makes it one of the most advanced and reliable cruise missiles currently in operation.
The strategic importance of the Lucknow production line extends well beyond manufacturing. Defence experts view it as a cornerstone in India’s pursuit of self-sufficiency in strategic weapon systems. By reducing dependency on foreign suppliers, the project enhances national security and gives the Indian military greater operational flexibility. Moreover, the facility is expected to act as a catalyst for regional economic growth, creating jobs for skilled workers and engineers, while simultaneously attracting investments in supporting industries such as electronics, metallurgy, and precision engineering.
The October 18 flag-off ceremony will mark the official delivery of the first set of BrahMos missiles from the Lucknow plant. Senior defence officials and representatives from the armed forces are expected to attend the event, where the focus will be on the country’s growing defence preparedness and the success of domestic manufacturing under the Make in India campaign. The launch will also be an opportunity to reaffirm the strategic partnership between India and Russia, whose collaboration has played a central role in the BrahMos program’s success.
Looking ahead, the emphasis will shift toward maintaining production efficiency and strengthening the facility’s long-term output capabilities. Efforts will also focus on improving the supply chain network to support continuous manufacturing and future export prospects. As India continues to expand its indigenous defence ecosystem, the Lucknow BrahMos plant stands as a symbol of technological advancement, industrial progress, and national pride—paving the way for greater self-reliance and strategic autonomy in the years to come.
