Uttar Pradesh has officially entered the big league in India’s defence sector with the inauguration of the BrahMos missile manufacturing unit in Lucknow, cementing its position as the epicentre of India’s defence industrial growth.
On May 11, 2025, a milestone was achieved as the BrahMos missile unit was inaugurated in Lucknow, giving a major boost to India’s ambition of self-reliance in defence. This event marks a new chapter in the journey of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, which was launched seven years ago. From being a vision on paper, the project has now entered an execution phase with real-world impact.
₹28,475 Crore Investment and 169 MoUs Signed
According to official data, the Uttar Pradesh government has signed MoUs with 169 companies, attracting a massive ₹28,475 crore investment into the defence corridor. Out of these, land has already been allotted to 57 companies, while the allotment process is underway for another 87. So far, 1,649 hectares of land have been acquired, setting the foundation for large-scale manufacturing.
Once fully operational, the corridor is projected to create over 46,000 direct and indirect jobs, providing a major employment push in the state.
Strategic Locations Powering the Defence Corridor
Announced in the 2018–19 Union Budget alongside the Tamil Nadu Defence Corridor, the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor covers six cities: Lucknow, Kanpur, Jhansi, Agra, Aligarh, and Chitrakoot. Each of these locations has been carefully selected for their proximity to expressways and robust airport connectivity, including upcoming facilities like the Jewar International Airport near Aligarh and new airstrips in Chitrakoot and Jhansi.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called the corridor a “strategic asset” that not only strengthens the armed forces but also puts Uttar Pradesh on the map as a global defence hub.
“This isn’t just a manufacturing zone; it’s a cornerstone of India’s defence autonomy,” he added.
From Foreign Dependence to ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’
India has traditionally relied on foreign nations for defence equipment, ranging from basic gear to high-end missiles and tanks. The Defence Corridor aims to change this by creating a self-sustaining ecosystem for defence production — aligning perfectly with the government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ mission.
Future Vision: ₹25,000 Crore Exports by 2029
Experts predict that by 2029, Uttar Pradesh could be exporting defence products worth ₹25,000 crore annually, including ammunition, drones, and advanced missile systems. This would make the state India’s largest weapons supplier and a significant player in the global defence market.
City-Wise Highlights of the Corridor
Lucknow: The BrahMos Milestone
A state-of-the-art BrahMos missile production unit has begun operations.
The facility aims to produce over 100 cruise missiles, alongside manufacturing drones and ammunition.
A centralised testing facility for advanced weapons is also being planned.
Estimated jobs: 3,000 direct and 10,000 indirect.
Kanpur: Asia’s Largest Ammunition Complex
Home to a ₹1,500 crore Adani Group project across 250 acres.
Will produce 41 types of arms, including drones, AK-47s, sniper rifles, and light aircraft.
Overall, Adani investment to touch ₹3,000 crore in five years.
Estimated jobs: 4,000 direct, 20,000 indirect.
Jhansi: Honouring CDS Bipin Rawat
Named after the late Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, the node has 531 hectares allotted to 16 companies.
Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) is building a ₹140 crore missile unit.
Global players like Saab AB and Indian firms are also setting up units.
Estimated jobs: 5,000+
Agra: Radar Manufacturing Hub
BHEL has acquired 123 hectares to establish a ₹400 crore radar and communications equipment plant.
Although in early stages, Agra is expected to be key to India’s electronic warfare capabilities.
Aligarh: Drone & Counter-Drone Focus
Home to 24 defence companies including Smith & Wesson and Verwin Defence.
The city is emerging as a nucleus for anti-drone systems and radar technology.
Estimated jobs: 5,600 direct and 12,000 indirect.
Chitrakoot: Integrated Defence Ecosystem
85% of the land is already acquired.
Facilities under development for missiles, drones, helicopters, tanks, and even a robotic warfare system.
Major investment by Anshul Metal and Polymers worth ₹6,000 crore.
Estimated jobs: 5,000 direct.
Not Just a State Project — A National Leap in Defence
As highlighted by Awanish Kumar Awasthi, advisor to the Chief Minister, this defence corridor is more than a state initiative — it is a national commitment to defence independence and job creation. With robust policy support, world-class infrastructure, and global partnerships, Uttar Pradesh is leading India into a new era of defence manufacturing.
“The defence corridor in UP is setting a global benchmark by integrating industry, innovation, and infrastructure,” said retired Major General P.K. Mishra.
In Conclusion: The inauguration of the BrahMos missile unit in Lucknow is just the beginning. With drones, radars, missiles, and advanced arms on the production line, Uttar Pradesh is fast becoming the defence manufacturing powerhouse of India. The corridor is not only creating thousands of jobs but also driving India toward a future of self-reliance and strategic strength.
