BrahMos Next Generation Missile: Lucknow to Manufacture 4,000 km/h Supersonic Cruise Missile – Full Details
India is rapidly advancing its military capabilities, and Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, is poised to become a new hub for defense manufacturing. The BrahMos Next Generation (NG) Supersonic Cruise Missile will soon be produced here, a missile known for its unmatched speed, precision, and lightweight design, providing a strategic edge to the Indian Armed Forces. In this comprehensive article, we explore the features of the BrahMos-NG missile, its production process, the new facility in Lucknow, and its impact on India’s defense strategy.
BrahMos-NG Missile Production in Lucknow
BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL), a joint venture between India and Russia, has established a state-of-the-art production unit in Lucknow at a cost of ₹300 crore. This facility is part of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC), announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 2018 Global Investors Summit.
The unit was inaugurated on May 11, 2025, by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. It is designed to produce 80-100 BrahMos missiles and 100-150 BrahMos-NG missiles annually. Spanning 200 acres, the facility was completed in just 3.5 years, marking a significant step toward self-reliance in India’s defense sector.
Previously, BrahMos missiles were manufactured in Thiruvananthapuram, Nagpur, Hyderabad, and Pilani. However, the Lucknow unit will focus exclusively on the BrahMos-NG, leveraging advanced technology to enhance India’s defense capabilities.
Key Features of the BrahMos-NG Missile
The BrahMos-NG (Next Generation) is an advanced, lighter version of the existing BrahMos missile, offering greater flexibility and lethality to the Indian Armed Forces. Let’s dive into its standout features:
1. Unmatched Speed: 3 Times Faster Than Sound
- The BrahMos-NG missile will achieve speeds of Mach 3.5 (approximately 4,321 km/h), nearly 3.5 times the speed of sound.
- It operates on the “Fire and Forget” principle, meaning once launched, it autonomously tracks and destroys its target without requiring further guidance.
2. Lighter Weight, Greater Capability
- The current BrahMos missile weighs 2,900 kg, while the BrahMos-NG will weigh just 1,500 kg, making it 50% lighter and 3 meters shorter.
- Its reduced weight allows Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets to carry up to 5 missiles simultaneously, compared to just 1 currently.
- The compact size enables deployment on light fighter aircraft like the Tejas and MiG-29.
3. Range and Precision
- The BrahMos-NG will have a range of 290-300 km, aligning with India’s “No First Use” policy.
- Equipped with an indigenous Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, it can evade enemy radar and strike with pinpoint accuracy.
- It can engage targets at a low altitude of 10 meters, making it ideal for surgical strikes.
4. Multi-Platform Capability
- The BrahMos-NG can be launched from land, air, sea, and submarines.
- It can be deployed via Mobile Autonomous Launchers (MAL), ships, submarines, and fighter jets.
5. Stealth and Advanced Technology
- The BrahMos-NG incorporates stealth technology and advanced guidance systems, making it nearly undetectable to enemy radar and missile defense systems.
- Its high maneuverability and ability to perform sharp multi-point maneuvers enhance its lethality.
Production in Lucknow: Timeline and Capacity
The BrahMos-NG production unit in Lucknow is a milestone in India’s journey toward self-reliance in defense manufacturing. Here are the key details about the facility and its timeline:
1. Construction and Cost
- The unit was built at a cost of ₹300 crore.
- The Uttar Pradesh government provided 80 hectares of land free of cost, reducing the project’s overall expenses.
- The facility was completed in 3.5 years, a record time for defense projects in India.
2. Production Capacity
- Initially, the unit will produce 80-100 BrahMos missiles and 100-150 BrahMos-NG missiles annually.
- Plans are in place to scale up production to 150 missiles per year in the future.
- The Indian Air Force has requested 400 BrahMos-NG missiles at a cost of ₹8,000 crore, to be delivered over 5 years.
3. Timeline
- The facility was inaugurated on May 11, 2025.
- The first flight test of the BrahMos-NG is scheduled for 2026, with production expected to begin in 2027-28.
- Initial flight samples will be ready by the end of 2025 or early 2026.
BrahMos-NG’s Contribution to India’s Defense
The BrahMos missile, a product of India-Russia collaboration, is considered one of the world’s deadliest supersonic cruise missiles. The introduction of BrahMos-NG will significantly enhance India’s military capabilities. Here are its key contributions:
1. Strategic Advantage
- The BrahMos-NG’s speed and precision make it a formidable threat to neighboring countries like Pakistan and China.
- Its low-altitude flight and stealth features render it nearly invulnerable to enemy missile defense systems.
2. Multi-Platform Deployment
- The BrahMos-NG will be utilized by the Indian Navy, Army, and Air Force.
- It can be deployed on Sukhoi-30MKI, Tejas, MiG-29, and future fighter jets.
- For the Navy, it will be integrated with submarines and warships, bolstering maritime security.
3. Exports and Diplomacy
- BrahMos missiles have already been exported to the Philippines, and negotiations for a $450 million deal with Indonesia are underway.
- This strengthens India’s defense export capabilities and enhances its strategic position in Asia.
4. Make in India and Job Creation
- The production of BrahMos-NG in Lucknow aligns with the Make in India initiative.
- The project will generate 5,500 direct and indirect jobs and create over 10,000 skilled and unskilled employment opportunities.
- Over 200 small, medium, and large enterprises are involved, boosting Uttar Pradesh’s economy.
Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor: An Overview
The BrahMos-NG production unit in Lucknow is part of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, which includes six nodes: Lucknow, Kanpur, Aligarh, Agra, Jhansi, and Chitrakoot.
- The corridor has allocated 1,600 hectares of land in its first phase, attracting investment proposals worth over ₹28,000 crore.
- In the Lucknow node, 12 companies have been allotted 117 hectares of land, including Aerolloy Technologies, whose products are used in Chandrayaan and fighter jets.
- The corridor is also developing a Defence Testing Infrastructure System (DTIS) and a Strategic Materials Technology Complex to support testing and certification of defense products.
A New Chapter in India’s Defense Strength
The BrahMos-NG missile will propel India’s military capabilities to new heights. Its high speed, lightweight design, long range, and stealth features make it a formidable challenge for adversaries. The production facility in Lucknow will not only enhance India’s defense capabilities but also position Uttar Pradesh as a key hub for defense manufacturing.
Under the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, this project will drive job creation, technological advancement, and defense exports. As BrahMos-NG production begins in 2027-28, India will solidify its position not only in Asia but also on the global stage.
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