Rajnath Singh Flags Off First Batch of Indigenous BrahMos Missiles, Witnesses Virtual Strike

Lucknow, Oct 18: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday witnessed a virtual BrahMos missile strike launched from the Indian Air Force’s SU-30 fighter jet at the BrahMos Aerospace production unit in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The event also marked the flagging off of the first batch of locally manufactured BrahMos missiles.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak accompanied Singh during the event. The dignitaries planted a sapling at the BrahMos facility and inaugurated the new Booster and Warhead building, further enhancing the unit’s manufacturing capabilities.

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) chief Samir V Kamat and BrahMos Director General Jaiteerth R Joshi handed over the GST bill for the locally manufactured missiles to Singh and Adityanath, symbolising the start of operational production in the state.

This development follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement earlier this year that BrahMos missiles would now be manufactured in Lucknow, strengthening India’s self-reliance in defence technology. The Prime Minister had praised the performance of India’s indigenous weapons during Operation Sindoor, highlighting the BrahMos missile’s critical role in neutralising Pakistani drones and striking strategic targets across the border.

BrahMos, jointly developed by DRDO and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya, has been a key component of India’s air defence strategy. During Operation Sindoor, these missiles were deployed effectively to target Pakistani air bases and army installations, demonstrating precision strike capabilities and boosting India’s strategic deterrence.

The commencement of local manufacturing in Lucknow marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ in defence production, combining advanced technology with indigenous manufacturing to enhance national security.