Rajnath Singh Inaugurates BrahMos Integration & Testing Facility in Lucknow

Lucknow: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday inaugurated the BrahMos Integration and Testing Facility Centre in Lucknow, hailing it as a significant milestone in India’s journey towards defence self-reliance. Addressing the gathering virtually, Singh declared Operation Sindoor not merely a military manoeuvre, but a resounding assertion of India’s political, social, and strategic resolve.

“Operation Sindoor was not just a military action, but a symbol of India’s willpower against terrorism. It reflected the capabilities and determination of our Armed Forces, and delivered justice to innocent families devastated by anti-India terrorist attacks,” Singh said in his address.

Referring to India’s recent offensive strikes following the Pahalgam attack, Singh underlined that India has consistently demonstrated its readiness to strike back—be it through the surgical strikes post-Uri, air strikes after Pulwama, or now, Operation Sindoor. “This New India will not tolerate terrorism, and is prepared to act decisively on either side of the border,” he declared.

The newly inaugurated BrahMos facility, located over 200 acres in the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC), marks a major boost to India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities. The centre will focus on the integration and testing of key BrahMos missile subassemblies, including boosters, avionics, propellants, and Ramjet engines.

Singh called BrahMos one of the world’s most formidable supersonic cruise missiles—a symbol of India’s deterrent capability and military strength. “BrahMos is not just a missile; it is a message to the world about India’s technological and strategic prowess,” he said, lauding the Indo-Russian collaboration behind the system.

He also quoted former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam: “In this world, fear has no place; only strength respects strength,” asserting that India today stands as a powerful nation with the capability to defend its sovereignty robustly.

Singh highlighted the economic and employment benefits of the facility, which has already generated 500 direct and 1,000 indirect jobs. “This centre will significantly contribute to industrialisation and skill development in the region, especially for youth trained in ITIs, engineering, and technical education,” he said.

The Rs 300 crore facility will anchor a robust ecosystem of ancillary industries, allowing students and entrepreneurs to find opportunities closer to home, reducing the need for migration.

The Defence Minister praised the Uttar Pradesh government for its support in making Lucknow a defence manufacturing hub. He revealed that 180 MoUs worth Rs 34,000 crore have been signed under UPDIC, with Rs 4,000 crore already invested. Projects span sectors such as aircraft manufacturing, UAVs, ammunition, composite materials, and more.

Titanium and super-alloy manufacturing facilities by PTC Industries and seven additional critical projects were also mentioned as part of the expanding defence ecosystem in Lucknow.

Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Singh for turning Lucknow into a defence industry nucleus. “This facility will not only advance Make-in-India and Aatmanirbharta, but also bring in large-scale investment and job opportunities,” he said.

Referring to Operation Sindoor, Adityanath said it was a bold declaration that India no longer tolerates terrorism. “There is only one solution to terrorism—to crush it entirely,” he added.