Uttar Pradesh emerges as India’s defence manufacturing powerhouse: BrahMos Unit inaugurated; drones, radars, missiles to follow

UP CM Yogi Adityanath at the BrahMos Integration and Testing Facility Centre in Lucknow. (Image: X)

Seven years after the Government of India announced the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, the vision has entered a dynamic second phase. On May 11, 2025, a landmark moment was marked by the inauguration of the BrahMos missile manufacturing unit in Lucknow — signalling that India’s march toward defence self-reliance is no longer a blueprint but a tangible reality.

According to official figures, the Uttar Pradesh government has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with 169 companies, bringing in investments worth Rs 28,475 crore into the defence corridor. Land has already been allotted to 57 companies, while allotment is underway for another 87. So far, 1,649 hectares of land have been acquired. Once all units become operational, the corridor is expected to generate direct and indirect employment for over 46,000 people.

The Defence Corridor in UP — one of two announced in the 2018-19 Union Budget by then Finance Minister Arun Jaitley (the other being in Tamil Nadu) — spans six strategically chosen cities: Lucknow, Kanpur, Jhansi, Agra, Aligarh, and Chitrakoot. All cities are situated near major expressways and have strong airport connectivity, including proposed airstrips in Chitrakoot and Jhansi, and the upcoming international airport in Jewar near Aligarh.

The Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said: “The Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor is not just a manufacturing hub; it is a strategic asset for India’s security. It strengthens our armed forces by ensuring timely access to cutting-edge, indigenously developed equipment, while also propelling Uttar Pradesh towards becoming a global defence manufacturing powerhouse.”

A defence corridor is a specialised zone where military-grade equipment and technology — ranging from uniforms and helmets to missiles and tanks — are manufactured in a coordinated ecosystem. India has long depended on foreign suppliers for its defence needs. The corridor seeks to reverse that dependency by fostering indigenous defence production, aligning with the government's “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) vision.

The Road Ahead

Defence experts estimate that by 2029, Uttar Pradesh alone could export defence products worth over Rs 25,000 crore annually — ranging from ammunition to drones and missile systems — making it India’s largest weapons supplier.

“We are witnessing the rise of a defence manufacturing revolution in Uttar Pradesh. The integration of infrastructure, industry, and innovation is setting a new benchmark not only for India but globally,” said retired Major General P.K. Mishra, a defence analyst.

Awanish Kumar Awasthi, advisor to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and former CEO, UPEIDA told Moneycontrol: “The UP Defence Corridor is an inspirational project that will reduce dependency on foreign countries for acquiring goods for the Indian aerospace and defence sector, while simultaneously opening gates to employment in the state.”

With expressways, air connectivity, and aggressive policy support in place, Uttar Pradesh's Defence Corridor is not just a state initiative — it is a national leap forward in defence sovereignty, Awasthi said.

From Vision to Execution: City-Wise Progress

Lucknow: BrahMos Begins

The capital city now houses a BrahMos missile unit, with an initial target of producing over 100 state-of-the-art cruise missiles. In addition to missile systems, companies in Lucknow will manufacture drones and ammunition. A centralised testing facility for advanced weaponry is also being developed.

“This is a historic moment for Uttar Pradesh and for India's defence sector. BrahMos coming to Lucknow not only puts us on the global map but also sends a strong message about self-reliance,” said a senior defence official present at the inauguration.

Estimated employment: 3,000 direct and 10,000 indirect jobs.

Kanpur: Asia’s Largest Ammunition Hub

Already known for its Field Gun Factory, Kanpur has emerged as a key site for the Adani Group’s defence operations. With an investment of Rs 1,500 crore on a 250-acre site — the largest ammunition complex in Asia — the city will manufacture 41 types of weapons including drones, AK-47s, carbines, pistols, sniper rifles, and light aircraft.

The Adani Group is also developing two additional units, with overall investment projected to reach ₹3,000 crore within five years. “We are not just making arms; we are building strategic capabilities for a new India,” a company spokesperson said.

Estimated employment: 4,000 direct, 20,000 indirect jobs.

Jhansi: Missile and Ammunition Manufacturing

Named after the late Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, the Jhansi node has allotted 531 hectares to 16 companies. Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) is constructing its Rs 140 crore missile unit here, part of a Rs 400 crore investment. Swedish defence giant Saab AB and Indian firms like Vijayan Trishul and Lorenco Defence are also setting up facilities to produce ammunition and small-caliber weapons.

Estimated employment: 5,000+

Agra: Radar and Communications Equipment

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has acquired 123 hectares to set up a Rs 400 crore radar manufacturing plant in Agra. Although construction is in early stages, the city is poised to become a key radar and electronic warfare hub.

Estimated employment: Data yet to be finalised.

Aligarh: Drone and Counter-Drone Systems

Aligarh is fast emerging as a hub for drone and anti-drone systems. Twenty-four companies have been allotted land, including Verwin Defence and American firm Smith & Wesson, which are manufacturing pistols and revolvers. Amit Industries is producing radar systems.

Estimated employment: 5,600 direct and 12,000 indirect jobs.

Chitrakoot: The Future of Integrated Defence Manufacturing

With 85% of land already acquired, Chitrakoot is being developed as a comprehensive defence cluster. Facilities for drones, helicopters, missiles, tanks, robotic systems, and even a firing range are underway. Anshul Metal and Polymers alone is investing ₹6,000 crore in the region.

Estimated employment: 5,000 direct jobs.