Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
Lucknow, Oct 18 (IANS) Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said “every inch of Pakistan is now within the range of the BrahMos missile”, as he hailed the successful delivery of the first batch of BrahMos missiles produced at BrahMos Aerospace’s Lucknow facility.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Lucknow, where he was joined by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Singh said India’s defense manufacturing capabilities have entered a new era, with Lucknow emerging as a major hub for the country’s security and self-reliance.
He said, “Lucknow is no longer just a city of ‘tehzeeb’ (etiquette); it has become a city of technology and industries. Every step taken from here is a step towards India’s security and self-reliance.”
Recalling that the facility was inaugurated in May 2025, Singh said that within just five months, the first batch of missiles was ready for delivery – calling it a “record of reliability and capability”.
He underlined that BrahMos has become “a symbol of India’s growing indigenous capabilities” and praised its combination of speed, accuracy and power.
He said, “It is a matter of pride for us that today BrahMos has become the backbone of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.”
Referring to Operation Sindoor, Singh said it demonstrated that “victory has become a habit for India.”
He described the military operation as the ‘biggest proof’ of the country’s strength and said, ‘What happened in Operation Sindoor was just a trailer, but that trailer itself made Pakistan realize that if India can create Pakistan, then when the time comes… you all are intelligent enough to understand.’
He said the successful performance of BrahMos in Operation Sindoor has strengthened global confidence in India’s defense capabilities. “The practical demonstration of BrahMos has instilled confidence not only among our people but across the world,” he said.
The Defense Minister said around 100 missile systems will be produced annually at the Lucknow facility, which is spread over 200 acres and built at a cost of Rs 380 crore.
The project will also provide employment to hundreds of people and act as “a new gateway to development”, he said.
Singh also stressed the need to strengthen India’s defense supply chain to ensure complete self-reliance.
“We need to develop every kind of technology within India – from seeker to ramjet engines – so that our supply chain remains completely indigenous,” he said.
Highlighting the role of the Defense Industrial Corridor of Uttar Pradesh, Singh said that its success depends not only on big corporations but also on the development of small and medium enterprises.
He said, “In the coming times, UP will not only become a manufacturing hub but also a center of innovation and employment.”
Emphasizing the economic benefits of defense production, Singh said, “Each missile not only strengthens our security but also contributes to our economy. The taxes generated can fund schools, hospitals and welfare schemes for our citizens. BrahMos is not just a weapon – it is a means to empower our society.”
He concluded by saying that India is now seen globally as a reliable partner in defense and technology.
“Achievements like BrahMos show that ‘Made in India’ is not just a slogan – it has become a respected global brand,” he said.
“Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of India@2047, we are building a fully developed and self-reliant nation. The defense sector will play a decisive role in achieving that goal,” Singh said.
–IANS
sd/uk