BrahMos not just a weapon, but a message for India's enemies: Rajnath Singh at Lucknow plant launch

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Lucknow facility of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile production on Sunday. Joining the event virtually, Singh said that due to the unprecedented security concerns arising from the fierce standoff with Pakistan following Operation Sindoor, he had to stay back in Delhi. Lauding the missile, Singh said that “it is among the fastest supersonic cruise missiles in the world. BrahMos is not just a weapon; it is a message in itself — a message of the strength of our armed forces, a message of deterrence to our adversaries, and a message of our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our borders.”

On the significance of the production unit, Singh said, “This is not just the inauguration of another factory — I see it as a major step toward India’s self-reliance in the defence sector. Today, India stands among the most powerful nations in the world. We are continuously enhancing our strength, and I believe that the facility being inaugurated today will contribute significantly to further bolstering India’s power.”

The defence minister also added that the BrahMos facility will put Uttar Pradesh on the map for defence technological ecosystem. “BrahMos represents a fusion of the highest defence technologies of India and Russia. Just as our Uttar Pradesh is globally renowned for the confluence at Prayagraj, I believe that in the times to come, Lucknow too will be known for this technological confluence. This convergence embodies many unique attributes,” Singh said.

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Apart from the strategic importance, the facility will have economical impact as well, the minister added. “The BrahMos facility we are inaugurating today has already created around 500 direct and 1,000 indirect employment opportunities. This has been made possible, to a large extent, due to the ecosystem that Yogi ji has developed”

During the launch event, the defence minister also spoke extensively about Operation Sindoor and its impact on Pakistan’s military. “Operation Sindoor was launched by the Indian Army to dismantle terrorist infrastructure operating from Pakistan. The Indian Army maintained a strict focus on military objectives and never targeted civilian populations. In contrast, Pakistan deliberately attacked Indian civilian areas and even attempted strikes on places of worship including temples, gurdwaras, and churches,” the minister said.

“Displaying exceptional courage, discipline, and resolve, the Indian Army delivered a strong and decisive response by striking multiple military targets inside Pakistan. The operation extended beyond border areas, with the effects of India's precision strikes reaching as far as Rawalpindi, home to the Pakistani army's headquarters,” he further added.