By Our Correspondent
LUCKNOW: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath, on October 18, 2025, jointly flagged-off the first batch of BrahMos missiles manufactured at the BrahMos Integration and Testing Facility Centre in Lucknow. The state-of-the-art facility, a key component of UP Defence Industrial Corridor, was virtually inaugurated by Raksha Mantri on May 11, 2025, and within five months, the first batch of missiles was ready for deployment.
DG (BrahMos) Dr Jaytirth R. Joshi handed over the GST bill and cheque of approx. Rs 40 crore to the UP Chief Minister, symbolising revenue generation for the state. UP Deputy Chief Minister Shri Brajesh Pathak and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat were also among the dignitaries present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Raksha Mantri described BrahMos as not just a missile, but a symbol of the growing indigenous capabilities of the nation. “The missile features a traditional warhead and an advanced guided system and possesses the capability to strike long distances at supersonic speeds. This combination of speed, accuracy, and power makes BrahMos one of the best systems in the world. It has become the backbone of our Armed Forces,” he added.
Highlighting the role of BrahMos in Operation Sindoor, Shri Rajnath Singh stated that the missile demonstrated that it has moved far beyond a trial and has become the greatest practical proof of national security. He stated that every inch of Pakistan’s territory is now within the reach of BrahMos. “Operation Sindoor is proof that victory has become a habit for us, and now we must further enhance our capabilities. The operation was just a trailer. It has made Pakistan realise what might follow,” he added.
Singh informed that the BrahMos team has signed contracts worth approximately Rs 4,000 crore with two countries in the last one month. He stated that, in the coming years, experts from many countries will visit Lucknow, making the city a centre of knowledge and a leader in defence technology. “The turnover of BrahMos’ Lucknow unit will be around Rs 3,000 crore from the next financial year and the GST collection will be around Rs 500 crore,” he added.
