Context:

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, recently 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 Raksha Mantri on May 11, 2025.

About BrahMos Missile:

The BrahMos missile is a state-of-the-art supersonic cruise missile developed through a joint venture between India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyenia. Its name is derived from the rivers Brahmaputra (India) and Moskva (Russia), symbolising the collaborative effort between the two nations.

Technical Specifications:

·        Type: Supersonic cruise missile

·        Speed: Mach 2.8 (approximately 3,400 km/h)

·        Range: Originally 290 km; extended to 450 km; future variants aim for 800 km

·        Weight: 2,200–3,000 kg

·        Length: Approximately 9 meters

·        Propulsion: Two-stage system—solid propellant booster followed by a liquid ramjet engine

·        Launch Platforms: Land, sea, air, and submarine

·        Guidance: Advanced inertial navigation system coupled with GPS

·        Stealth Features: Low radar cross-section design

·        Operational Principle: "Fire and forget"

Variants and Deployment:

The BrahMos missile has been developed in multiple variants to enhance its versatility:

·        Land-Based System: Deployed along India's borders, capable of striking targets with precision.

·        Sea-Based System: Integrated into Indian Navy warships, providing maritime strike capabilities.

·        Air-Launched Version: Mounted on aircraft like the Sukhoi-30 MKI, enabling aerial strikes.

·        Submarine-Launched Version: Launched from submerged platforms, enhancing strategic deterrence.

Each variant is designed to operate effectively across diverse terrains and combat scenarios, ensuring India's strategic dominance.

Strategic Significance:

·        Deterrence: The BrahMos missile serves as a potent deterrent against adversaries, enhancing India's defense posture.

·        Precision Strikes: Its high speed and accuracy allow for precise strikes on critical targets, minimizing collateral damage.

·        Versatility: The ability to launch from multiple platforms provides flexibility in various combat situations.

·        Indigenous Development: The missile showcases India's growing capabilities in defense technology and self-reliance.

Conclusion:

The successful flagging-off of the first batch of BrahMos missiles from Lucknow marks a historic milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing. It reflects the nation’s determination to achieve technological independence, enhance operational readiness, and secure its strategic interests.