Every inch of Pak territory within BrahMos reach: Rajnath

Noting that Operation Sindoor against Pakistan was ”just a trailer”, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday declared that every inch of the neighouring country’s territory is now within the reach of the cruise missile.

Highlighting the role of BrahMos during the hostilities with Pakistan in May, Singh said BrahMos demonstrated that it has moved far beyond a trial and has become the greatest practical proof of national security.

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“Operation Sindoor is proof that victory has become a habit for us, and now we must further enhance our capabilities. The operation was just a trailer. It has made Pakistan realise what might follow,” he added.

Reinforcing the vision of self-reliance in defence manufacturing, Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath jointly flagged off the first batch of BrahMos missiles manufactured at the BrahMos Integration and Testing Facility Centre in Lucknow. The state-of-the-art facility, a key component of UP Defence Industrial Corridor, was virtually inaugurated by the Defence Minister on May 11. Within five months, the first batch of missiles was ready for deployment.

Singh described BrahMos as not just a missile, but a symbol of the growing indigenous capabilities of the nation. “The missile features a traditional warhead and an advanced guided system and possesses the capability to strike long distances at supersonic speeds. This combination of speed, accuracy, and power makes BrahMos one of the best systems in the world. It has become the backbone of our Armed Forces,” he added.

Singh underlined that today India stands at a point where it is strengthening its security and demonstrating to the world that it is a credible partner in defence and technology. He stressed that achievements such as the BrahMos have proved that Made-in-India is no longer a slogan, but a global brand.

“Whether it’s the export of the BrahMos to the Philippines or cooperation with other countries in the future, India is now playing the role of a giver, not just a taker. This is the true identity of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the vision with which the Narendra Modi-led Government began its journey in 2014. PM Modi has given us a vision of an India which is fully developed, self-reliant, and ready to lead the world by 2047. The role of the defence sector will be decisive in this endeavour,” he said.

Singh informed that the BrahMos team has signed contracts worth approximately Rs 4,000 crore with two countries in the last month. He stated that, in the coming years, experts from many countries will visit Lucknow, making the city a centre of knowledge and a leader in defence technology. “The turnover of BrahMos’ Lucknow unit will be around Rs 3,000 crore from the next financial year and the GST collection will be around Rs 500 crore,” he added.

On the 200-acre BrahMos Integration and Testing Facility Centre built at a total cost of Rs 380 crore, Singh said this project is not just a defence facility, but also a new avenue for employment and development. “In terms of output, approximately 100 missile systems will be produced in the facility every year. Considering the investment coming into Uttar Pradesh and the progress being made in the state, the region is poised to become a symbol of a new era of both development and defence,” he said.

Referring to reports on issues regarding defence spare parts supply chains by some countries, he underscored the need to strengthen small industries that produce thousands of components and technologies required for the integration of a major weapon system, thereby reducing reliance on others.

“As technological development takes place, the supply chain also diversifies. These supply chains are often connected to other countries. If that person, company, or country refuses to supply that spare part, your product will not be manufactured. There is a need to strengthen our small industries so that we don’t have to rely on others for spare parts. Be it advanced seekers or ramjet engines, we must develop all types of technologies indigenously so that our supply chain remains within India,” he said.

The Raksha Mantri called for a proper project roadmap to integrate small entrepreneurs into the defence ecosystem. “Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor will be fully successful only when small industries grow alongside large companies. I am confident that in the future, UP will not only become a manufacturing hub but also a new epicentre of innovation and employment for entrepreneurs, both small and large,” he said.