‘Every Inch of Pakistan Within BrahMos Range’: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Hails Missile Production Milestone in Lucknow

First batch of BrahMos missiles produced at Lucknow facility flagged off; Rajnath Singh hails milestone as symbol of India’s growing self-reliance and defence strength

Lucknow, Oct 2025 : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday declared that “every inch of Pakistan is now within the range of the BrahMos missile,” as he inaugurated the first batch of BrahMos missiles produced at the Lucknow unit of BrahMos Aerospace. The event marked a major milestone in India’s quest for self-reliance in defence manufacturing, with Singh emphasising that the development underscored the country’s growing technological prowess and strategic confidence.

The Defence Minister was joined by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at the flagging-off ceremony. Addressing the gathering, Singh said India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem had entered a new era, with Lucknow emerging as a crucial hub of the country’s security, technology, and industrial progress.

“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,” Singh said, drawing applause from the crowd.

He recalled that the BrahMos facility, which he inaugurated in May 2025, had achieved an extraordinary feat by delivering its first production batch in less than five months — a record that he described as “a testament to India’s credibility, capability, and commitment.”

“BrahMos has today become a symbol of India’s indigenous strength,” Singh said. “Its unmatched combination of speed, precision, and destructive power makes it one of the most advanced missiles in the world. It is a matter of national pride that BrahMos now forms the backbone of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.”

Referring to Operation Sindoor, the Defence Minister said the mission showcased the effectiveness of India’s military strength and technological edge. “Operation Sindoor proved that victory has become a habit for India,” he said. “What the world saw was just a trailer — and that trailer was enough to make Pakistan realise that if India could create Pakistan once, then when the time comes… you all are wise enough to understand the rest.”

He added that BrahMos’s stellar performance during the operation had significantly boosted global confidence in India’s defence capabilities. “The successful demonstration of BrahMos in real operations has instilled confidence not only among Indians but also in nations around the world,” Singh remarked.

The Defence Minister informed that nearly 100 missile systems will be produced every year at the Lucknow facility, which is spread across 200 acres and constructed at a cost of ₹380 crore. “This project will generate hundreds of jobs, spur ancillary industries, and act as a gateway for development in the region,” he said.

Singh also stressed the need to strengthen India’s defence supply chain to achieve full self-reliance. “We must develop every critical component — from seekers to ramjet engines — right here in India. Only then can our supply chain remain fully indigenous and secure from external disruptions,” he asserted.

Highlighting the role of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, Singh said that the initiative would not only drive large-scale manufacturing but also promote innovation among small and medium enterprises. “In the coming years, Uttar Pradesh will emerge not just as a manufacturing powerhouse but also as a centre of innovation, research, and employment,” he said.

Singh also noted the economic multiplier effect of defence production. “Every missile we produce not only strengthens our security but also fuels our economy. The revenue generated from defence manufacturing can help build schools, hospitals, and welfare programmes for citizens. BrahMos is not merely a weapon — it’s an instrument of national empowerment,” he said.

Concluding his address, Singh said India is now viewed as a reliable and respected global partner in the fields of defence and technology. “Achievements like BrahMos prove that Made in India is no longer just a slogan — it has become a global brand of excellence and reliability,” he said.

“Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for India@2047, we are working toward building a fully developed and self-reliant nation. The defence sector will play a decisive role in realising that dream,” the Defence Minister said.