‘Make in India’ boost for defence sector: India and Russia are in discussions for manufacturing an advanced version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, following its success in India’s Operation Sindoor against Pakistan.The advanced version of the BrahMos, which is a jointly manufactured missile by India and Russia, is expected to be made at the latest unit in Uttar Pradesh. Sources told ET that the recently opened BrahMos manufacturing unit in Uttar Pradesh has been selected to produce these advanced missiles. The facility is expected to undertake large-scale production of these sophisticated weapons systems.The financial daily reported that Russia has offered comprehensive technical assistance to co-produce the upgraded BrahMos missile version in India. Preliminary talks between the two countries have already commenced on this matter, the report said.
BrahMos in Operation Sindoor
BrahMos, the supersonic missile, has proven that it cannot be intercepted by all existing air defence mechanisms, including those operated by Chinese and Pakistani forces, the report said.The missile’s remarkable capability allows it to cover a distance of 300 km in mere minutes, with significant potential to damage runways. India has developed multiple variants of BrahMos, which includes land-to-land, land-to-ship, and ship-to-land configurations.Also Read | Pitch for big defence industrial corridor: Chandrababu Naidu wants HAL to make combat aircraft in Andhra PradeshThe SU-30 MKI aircraft launched BrahMos missiles on May 10, successfully impacting the northern command and control network at Nur Khan airbase. The BrahMos missiles demonstrated significant effectiveness in targeting terror installations and countering Pakistani initiatives.A new BrahMos Aerospace facility has been established in Lucknow, constructed on 80 hectares of land provided without cost by the government, with a total investment of ₹300 crore. The complex comprises a primary PTC anchor unit alongside seven auxiliary facilities.Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath formally opened the facility on May 11. During the ceremony, the UP CM highlighted BrahMos missile’s achievements in Operation Sindoor. “You must have seen a glimpse of the BrahMos missile during Operation Sindoor. If you didn’t, then just ask the people of Pakistan about the power of the BrahMos missile,” he had said on the occasion.In 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the establishment of two Defence Industrial Corridors, with one situated in Uttar Pradesh and another in Tamil Nadu.Also Read | India’s big crackdown! 20 export houses under scanner for illicit Pakistan trade using UAE route; trade-based money laundering suspectedThese corridors form an integral component of the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ programmes, designed to minimise reliance on foreign defence imports whilst encouraging domestic manufacturing capabilities.Within the UP Defense Industrial Corridor, 57 investors have received land allocations, with manufacturing units at different developmental phases. These industrial establishments correspond to a concrete investment of ₹9462.8 crore and are projected to create direct job opportunities for 13,736 individuals. It is significant that since the initial land lease agreement in June 2021, the corridor has witnessed remarkable progress, with 57 industries actively establishing their facilities in under four years.Also Read | ‘Big ban’ actions: How India is shunning Pakistan and its allies like Turkey & Azerbaijan – top 5 measures
