Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Oct 18: In a powerful statement during a ceremony in Lucknow, defence minister Rajnath Singh declared that “every inch of Pakistan is now within the range of the BrahMos missile,” following the successful dispatch of the first batch of BrahMos missiles from the new manufacturing facility in the city. The event marked a significant leap in India’s defence manufacturing capabilities, with Singh emphasizing that Lucknow has transformed from a cultural hub into a thriving centre for technology, industry, and national security.
Singh praised the rapid progress of the BrahMos Aerospace unit, noting that the facility, inaugurated just five months ago, had already achieved operational success with record speed. He called this milestone a testament to India’s growing technological credibility and capacity, underscoring BrahMos as a symbol of indigenous excellence—renowned for its unmatched speed, precision, and destructive power. This, he said, has positioned the missile system as the backbone of India’s Army, Navy, and Air Force.
He referenced the recent Operation Sindoor, calling it a striking demonstration of India's military dominance. The defence minister hinted at the broader implications of the operation, saying it served as a clear warning to adversaries and a reminder of India's strategic might. According to Singh, the successful deployment of BrahMos during the operation has not only fortified domestic confidence but also enhanced India's reputation as a reliable global defence power.
With a capacity to produce around 100 missile systems annually, the 200-acre Lucknow facility—constructed at a cost of Rs 380 crore—is expected to generate significant employment and development in the region. Singh stressed the importance of building a fully indigenous defence supply chain, calling for domestic innovation in critical technologies like seekers and ramjet engines to reduce reliance on foreign systems.
The Defence Minister highlighted the Defence Industrial Corridor in Uttar Pradesh as a key initiative, with success hinging on both large corporations and smaller enterprises. He forecasted that the state would emerge as a manufacturing powerhouse and a hub of technological innovation in the years to come.
Singh also drew attention to the broader socio-economic benefits of defence manufacturing, pointing out that each missile produced not only strengthens national security but also contributes to the economy through tax revenues that fund essential public services like education and healthcare.
Concluding his address, Singh said India is now globally recognised as a dependable player in the field of defence and advanced technologies. He affirmed that under Prime Minister Modi’s India@2047 vision, the defence sector will be a cornerstone of the country’s journey toward becoming a fully developed, self-reliant nation. BrahMos, he asserted, is more than a weapon—it is a symbol of national empowerment and global credibility.