Uttar Pradesh Defence Corridor Enters Pivotal Second Phase with BrahMos Missile Unit Inauguration, Solidifying India’s Path to Military Self-Reliance

 

Seven years after the Government of India announced the establishment of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC), the ambitious project has moved decisively into a transformational second phase.

A milestone in this journey was achieved on May 11, 2025, when the BrahMos missile manufacturing facility was officially inaugurated in Lucknow, converting the corridor’s conceptual framework into an operational reality and reinforcing India’s defence self-sufficiency under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative.

Massive Investment and Employment Potential

According to official data, the Uttar Pradesh government has so far signed 169 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with private and public sector defence firms, drawing a staggering ₹28,475 crore in promised investments.

Of these, 57 companies have already received land for development, while allotments for another 87 companies are currently underway. A total of 1,649 hectares of land has been secured across six strategic locations, and once fully operational, the corridor is expected to create over 46,000 jobs, both directly and indirectly.

Strategic Locations and Infrastructure

Conceived as one of two Defence Industrial Corridors announced in the 2018-19 Union Budget by then Finance Minister Arun Jaitley (the other being in Tamil Nadu), the UP corridor spans six key cities: Lucknow, Kanpur, Jhansi, Agra, Aligarh, and Chitrakoot.

These locations were selected for their proximity to major expressways, robust connectivity, and access to air infrastructure — including existing airports and proposed airstrips in Jhansi and Chitrakoot, as well as the upcoming Jewar International Airport near Aligarh.

A Strategic Asset for India’s Security

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the corridor as not just a manufacturing hub but a critical pillar of India’s national security infrastructure.

“The Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor enhances our defence preparedness by enabling the timely availability of cutting-edge indigenous equipment. It’s a strategic step toward transforming Uttar Pradesh into a global defence manufacturing powerhouse,” he said.

A defence corridor functions as a dedicated ecosystem for producing military-grade technology and hardware, from helmets and uniforms to advanced missile systems, aircraft, and armoured vehicles. Historically, India has heavily relied on imports for its defence needs. This corridor aims to reverse that dependence by nurturing domestic defence production.

The BrahMos Facility and Other Developments in Lucknow

The capital city of Lucknow now houses a state-of-the-art BrahMos cruise missile manufacturing unit, which aims to produce more than 100 advanced missiles annually.

Alongside this, the city will also see production lines for drones, ammunition, and other high-end weaponry. A centralised weapon testing facility is also being developed to support these manufacturing efforts.

A senior defence official present at the inauguration remarked,

“This is a landmark achievement, not just for Uttar Pradesh but for India’s defence industry. The presence of BrahMos in Lucknow signifies India’s growing commitment to self-reliance.”

Kanpur: Ammunition Capital in the Making

Already renowned for its Field Gun Factory, Kanpur is emerging as a vital hub for Adani Group’s defence operations. With a ₹1,500 crore investment over 250 acres,

Kanpur will house Asia’s largest ammunition complex, capable of producing 41 different weapons, including drones, AK-47s, sniper rifles, pistols, carbines, and light aircraft. Two more units are being planned, pushing Adani’s total investment in the region to an estimated ₹3,000 crore over five years.

“We’re not just manufacturing arms; we’re shaping India’s strategic future,” said an Adani Group spokesperson.

Jhansi: Honouring General Bipin Rawat with Missile Manufacturing

The Jhansi node, named after the late Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, has allotted 531 hectares to 16 companies. Notably, Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) is constructing a missile production facility with an investment of ₹140 crore, as part of its broader ₹400 crore commitment.

Other companies establishing bases here include Swedish defence firm Saab AB, Vijayan Trishul, and Lorenco Defence, all focused on producing ammunition and small arms.

Agra: Radar and Electronic Warfare Hub

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has acquired 123 hectares in Agra to establish a radar and electronic warfare manufacturing plant with an investment of ₹400 crore.

Though the construction is in the early stages, the city is set to evolve into a major node for electronic warfare systems and radar technology.

Aligarh: Rising Drone and Anti-Drone Cluster

Aligarh is developing into a key zone for drone and anti-drone technology. Land has been allocated to 24 companies, including Verwin Defence and American firearms giant Smith & Wesson, which are producing pistols and revolvers.

Companies like Amit Industries are also manufacturing radar systems, further diversifying Aligarh’s defence portfolio.

Chitrakoot: Comprehensive Defence Cluster Underway

In Chitrakoot, 85% of the designated land has been acquired, and the region is being developed into a comprehensive defence cluster. It will host facilities for drones, helicopters, tanks, missiles, robotic systems, and even a firing range. One of the biggest players here, Anshul Metal and Polymers, is making a massive investment of ₹6,000 crore to establish a multipurpose defence manufacturing base.

Experts and Officials Hail Progress

Retired Major General P.K. Mishra, a seasoned defence analyst, described the current phase as a “revolution in defence manufacturing“, stating that the integration of industry, infrastructure, and innovation in Uttar Pradesh is setting global standards.

Awanish Kumar Awasthi, advisor to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and former CEO of UPEIDA, emphasised the dual benefit of the corridor:

“It not only reduces India’s dependence on foreign arms suppliers but also opens the door to large-scale employment and economic development within the state.”

Looking Ahead

Defence industry analysts project that by 2029, Uttar Pradesh could be exporting ₹25,000 crore worth of defence equipment annually, including drones, small arms, and missile systems, positioning it as India’s premier defence export hub.

With proactive state support, aggressive investments, and robust infrastructure development, the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor is quickly transforming from a policy announcement into a cornerstone of India’s defence and economic future.