India Inaugurates BrahMos Missile Production Unit in Uttar Pradesh Amid Regional Tensions

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh virtually inaugurated the BrahMos Aerospace Integration and Testing Facility in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, marking a significant advancement in the country's defense manufacturing capabilities. The Rs 300 crore facility, part of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, will produce one of the world's fastest supersonic cruise missiles, the BrahMos, with a range of 290 to over 400 km and speeds up to Mach 2.8. This state-of-the-art manufacturing center spans over 200 acres and will also include a materials complex for aerospace-grade components, supporting the production of the next-generation BrahMos missile, which is lighter and has a longer strike range. The initiative aligns with India's commitment to self-reliance in defense and aims to promote regional industrial growth by facilitating startups and industries through technology infrastructure and intellectual property access. Additionally, the foundation stone was laid for a Defence Testing Infrastructure System to certify defense products and support ongoing innovation. The launch comes amid easing tensions with Pakistan and a recent defense pact between India and Russia, underscoring the strategic importance of the BrahMos missile in India's military arsenal.