Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Inaugurates BrahMos Aerospace Facility in Lucknow on National Technology Day 2025

Lucknow, May 11, 2025 – On National Technology Day 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh virtually inaugurated the state-of-the-art BrahMos Aerospace Integration and Testing Facility in Lucknow, marking a significant milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The event, attended by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, also saw the launch of the Strategic Material Technology Complex by PTC Industries Limited, reinforcing Uttar Pradesh’s growing role in India’s defence sector.

BrahMos Facility: A Boost for India’s Defence Capabilities

The BrahMos Aerospace facility, developed at a cost of ₹300 crore on 80 hectares of land provided by the Uttar Pradesh government, is set to produce 80 to 100 BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles annually. Known for their range of 290 to 400 kilometers and a top speed of Mach 2.8, BrahMos missiles are a cornerstone of India’s defence arsenal, developed through a joint venture between India and Russia. Completed in just three and a half years, this facility enhances India’s strategic capabilities amid rising tensions in the region, particularly following a reported missile strike in Rehari on May 8, 2025.

Strategic Material Technology Complex: Reducing Import Dependency

Alongside the BrahMos unit, the Strategic Material Technology Complex by PTC Industries will manufacture critical components for fighter jets, submarines, and spacecraft using advanced materials like titanium and super alloys. Spanning 50 acres, the complex includes four cutting-edge production units, such as an Aerospace Precision Casting Plant and a Strategic Powder Materiality Facility, as well as a training academy and research center. This development addresses India’s long-standing reliance on imported materials, which has previously delayed projects like the Tejas Mark-2 engine, aligning with the "Make in India" and "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" initiatives.

Uttar Pradesh’s Role in Defence Manufacturing

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, speaking at the event, highlighted the state’s transformation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. “Uttar Pradesh is emerging as a hub for defence manufacturing, contributing to India’s vision of self-reliance,” he said. He congratulated the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the people of Uttar Pradesh for their role in this achievement. The state’s Defence Industrial Corridor, with nodes in Lucknow, Kanpur, Aligarh, Agra, Jhansi, and Chitrakoot, continues to attract investments, with India’s defence production reaching ₹1.27 lakh crore in FY 2023-24.

National Technology Day 2025: Celebrating Innovation

Celebrated annually on May 11, National Technology Day commemorates India’s technological milestones, including the 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests, the test flight of the Hansa-3 aircraft, and the Trishul missile launch. The day also recognizes innovations addressing India’s unique challenges, with awards honoring pioneers in science and technology. The 2025 theme focused on fostering innovation, making the inauguration of these facilities a fitting tribute to India’s technological progress.

Strategic Importance Amid Regional Tensions

The timing of these inaugurations is particularly significant given recent regional developments. A reported missile strike in Rehari on May 8, 2025, has underscored the need for India to strengthen its defence infrastructure. The BrahMos facility and the Strategic Material Technology Complex are crucial steps towards ensuring strategic autonomy and enhancing India’s deterrence capabilities.

A Step Towards Global Leadership in Defence

The inauguration of these facilities not only bolsters India’s defence manufacturing but also positions the country as an emerging global leader in defence technology. With initiatives like the foundation laying of the Defence Testing Infrastructure System (DTIS) during the event, India is steadily advancing towards its goal of achieving a USD 25 billion turnover in defence manufacturing by 2025, as outlined by the "Make in India" program.