Defence Minister Rajnath Singh issued a strong warning to Pakistan, stating that every inch of its territory is now within the range of India’s BrahMos missiles. He described the recent Operation Sindoor as merely a preview of India’s military capabilities. Singh made these remarks during the flag-off ceremony for the first batch of BrahMos missiles produced at the BrahMos Aerospace unit in Lucknow, alongside Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Singh emphasized that BrahMos represents India’s growing strength and strategic confidence. He stated, "BrahMos is not just a missile; it is proof of India's strategic confidence. From the Army to the Navy and the Air Force, it has become a key pillar of our defence forces." He further asserted that India’s enhanced defence capabilities act as a significant deterrent.
The Defence Minister remarked, "What happened during Operation Sindoor was just a trailer. It made Pakistan realise that if India could create Pakistan, then if the time comes... I need not say more, you all are wise enough." He noted that the operation, which targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan in May, instilled confidence among Indians and showcased the effectiveness of BrahMos missiles to the world.
Operation Sindoor was launched in response to a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, which resulted in 26 fatalities. The Indian armed forces used indigenously developed BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to strike Pakistan’s air bases during this operation.
On the local manufacturing of BrahMos, Singh highlighted that the project signifies India’s increasing self-reliance in defence production. He expressed pride in Lucknow, stating, "Lucknow is not just my parliamentary constituency; it resides in my soul. Today, it has become a city of technology and industry, apart from culture and tradition. The successful production of BrahMos missiles here shows that what was once a dream has now become a reality."
Chief Minister Adityanath called the event a proud moment for Uttar Pradesh, aligning it with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. He noted that Uttar Pradesh is emerging as a significant hub for indigenous defence manufacturing under the Defence Industrial Corridor. Adityanath added, "With a missile like BrahMos, India is now not only able to meet its own security needs but also those of its allies in the world."
The BrahMos Aerospace unit, inaugurated on May 11, features advanced facilities for missile integration, testing, and quality checks. After successful testing, the missiles will be prepared for deployment by the Indian armed forces. The event was attended by various officials, including Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak and Minister Nand Gopal Gupta Nandi, marking a significant milestone for the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor and India’s defence manufacturing ambitions.