BrahMos missile: In a major milestone in India’s defence manufacturing journey, the new BrahMos Aerospace Integration and Testing Facility was inaugurated in Lucknow. The facility will assemble and test the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, known for their speed and precision.
What is BrahMos?
According to Sudhir Kumar Mishra, former DRDO DG and CEO & MD of BrahMos Aerospace, BrahMos is unmatched by any current air defence system in China or Pakistan. Capable of flying at Mach 3.5, BrahMos uses a “fire and forget” guidance system and can perform precision strikes under any weather conditions.
BrahMos is developed by BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya (Scientific Production Association of Machine-Building).
Combining cutting-edge technologies from both nations, BrahMos represents the world’s only liquid-fueled supersonic cruise missile of its kind. India is also the first country to successfully master this sophisticated cruise missile technology.
The missile is now almost entirely indigenous. BrahMos Aerospace is headquartered in New Delhi, with production facilities in Hyderabad, Nagpur, Pilani, Thiruvananthapuram, and the newly inaugurated unit in Lucknow.
BrahMos has global strike capabilities and is designed to be highly evasive, making it difficult for enemy radars to detect. It can follow an aircraft-like trajectory, enhancing its precision and survivability.
What is BrahMos NG?
The Lucknow unit will play a key role in producing the lighter BrahMos NG (Next Generation) variant. Weighing around 1,290 kg—compared to the original 2,900 kg—the NG version will offer improved deployability across platforms. Fighter jets like the Su-30MKI will be able to carry up to three BrahMos NG missiles instead of just one. Land and ship-based systems can integrate up to eight missiles instead of the current capacity which is at three, enhancing firepower and reducing cost.
Global demand for BrahMos
BrahMos, a joint venture between India’s DRDO and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya, has attracted global interest. Countries from Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and even the Americas have shown interest in acquiring the missile, informed Sudhir Kumar Mishra in an interview with a news channel. With capabilities to strike enemy runways and radar systems, and a potential range upgrade to 5,000 km, the system is proving to be a global force multiplier.
The newly inaugurated unit is designed to produce 80–100 BrahMos missiles annually, with plans to scale up to 150 NG variants. It will also house the Strategic Materials Technology Complex for manufacturing aerospace-grade titanium and super alloys. Additionally, the Defence Testing Infrastructure System (DTIS) will be established here to certify defence products.
Operation Sindoor
During Operation Sindoor, Indian armed forces reportedly used precision weapons including BrahMos missiles to target Pakistani military sites. Facilities like the new Lucknow unit will ensure that India remains self-reliant and strategically ahead in such missions.
The Lucknow facility is a part of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, which spans six strategic locations: Lucknow, Kanpur, Aligarh, Agra, Jhansi, and Chitrakoot. Built on 80 hectares of land provided free by the UP government, the unit cost Rs 300 crore and was completed within 3.5 years. The BrahMos facility in Lucknow not only bolsters India’s defence capabilities but also strengthens the Make-in-India initiative and solidifies India’s place as a key player in the international defence market.