India is poised to celebrate a significant achievement in its indigenous defense capabilities with the flag-off ceremony for the first batch of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles produced at the newly inaugurated facility in Lucknow. Scheduled for October 18, 2025, the event will be attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
The state-of-the-art unit, situated at Bhatgaon within the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, was officially launched on May 11, 2025. This facility, covering an area of 80 hectares and developed at a cost of approximately ₹300 crore, is equipped with modern production lines and rigorous quality control systems, which are instrumental for large-scale missile manufacturing.
The initial production target for the Lucknow plant is set at 80 to 100 missiles annually, with plans to increase this output to around 150 as operations stabilize. The facility’s primary objective is to fulfill the requirements of the Indian Armed Forces, bolster the domestic defense manufacturing ecosystem, and lay the groundwork for potential exports.
The BrahMos missile, a joint development venture between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya, is known for its formidable speed, reaching nearly Mach 3. Depending on the variant, it boasts a strike range of 290 to 400 kilometers. Its versatile launch capability from land, air, and sea platforms, combined with its fire-and-forget technology, allows it to effectively evade radar and precisely target objectives.
Defense experts underline the strategic importance of the Lucknow facility, viewing it as a vital step toward achieving self-reliance in defense systems. This development is expected not only to enhance India’s operational preparedness but also to boost strategic autonomy. Furthermore, the project is projected to create job opportunities, encourage the growth of ancillary industries, and improve India’s capacity to meet regional demand, encompassing potential exports.
The upcoming flag-off ceremony signifies the first official delivery of BrahMos missiles from the Lucknow production line, serving as a testament to India’s operational readiness and its commitment to the ‘Make in India’ initiative within high-technology defense sectors. Local officials have emphasized the facility’s promise to elevate the industrial profile of the state while generating employment prospects.
With the first batch poised for deployment, the emphasis will now turn to maintaining production levels, enhancing supply chains, and scaling output to achieve the increased production targets established for the facility. This endeavor further solidifies India’s position as a self-reliant defense powerhouse on the global stage.
