Latest news with #UPDIC
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
UP acquires 96% land for defence industrial corridor
1 2 Lucknow: The state's ambitious Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC) project has completed 96% of the land acquisition process , officials said. Out of the total approved 2,097 hectare, 2,015 hectare has already been purchased and acquired, an official spokesperson said on Wednesday. The UP expressways industrial development authority ( UPEIDA ) is working at an accelerated pace to complete the corridor by Nov 2025, he added. As part of the acquisition drive, compensation has been disbursed to approximately 5,800 farmers, with Jhansi district witnessing the highest number of beneficiaries — over 2,000 farmers received compensation for their land, officials said. Out of the total 2,015 hectare of land for the corridor, more than 1,794 hectare land has been purchased, while over 220 hectare land has been reacquired, transferred, or exchanged. This project is being developed across six nodes: Lucknow, Kanpur, Jhansi, Aligarh, Chitrakoot and Agra. UPEIDA officials said the highest land acquisition has taken place in the Jhansi node, with over 1,087 hectare secured. In Chitrakoot, more than 274 hectare has been acquired in two phases, followed by over 222 hectare in Kanpur Nagar, 160 hectare in Lucknow, 158 hectare in Aligarh (in two phases), and 112 hectare in Agra (also in two phases). "The land acquisition process has remained transparent, with a strong focus on protecting farmers' interests as per directions of chief minister Yogi Adityanath ," officials said. So far, 5,800 farmers have received compensation for their land. The highest number of beneficiaries is in Jhansi, where 2,037 farmers were compensated. This is followed by 1,816 farmers in Chitrakoot (in two phases), 833 in Kanpur Nagar, 493 in Aligarh (in two phases), 369 in Agra (in two phases) and 260 in Lucknow. In terms of property registration (sale deeds), a total of 2,345 sale deeds have been completed. "CM Yogi has called the corridor a key part of UP's industrial development and of the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' vision. The govt aims to make UP a $1 trillion economy through this project. Timely completion of the corridor is expected to boost industrial activity and create a large number of local jobs," officials said.
India.com
12-05-2025
- Business
- India.com
150 Missiles a Year? India's New BrahMos Hub Is Ready To Fire
New Delhi: With an aim to to revolutionise the India's defence capabilities, Union Minister Rajnath Singh unveild a state-of-the-art missile production facility in Lucknow on May 11. The facility will assemble and test one of the country's most advanced weapons systems, the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. Virtually inaugurated by the defence minister, the BrahMos Aerospace Integration and Testing Facility is part of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC), an initiative to strengthen indigenous defence production and reduce dependence on imports. The Lucknow hub joins five other defence nodes in the state tha are located in Chitrakoot, Jhansi, Agra, Aligarh and Kanpur. Mass-Production Of Strategic Weapon The new unit is expected to begin manufacturing 80 to 100 BrahMos missiles annually, with plans to scale up the production to 150 units per year as it transitions to the lighter and next-generation (NG) variants. These upgraded missiles will enhance deployment flexibility across land, air and naval platforms, offering India greater reach and deterrence in high-stakes military scenarios. Developed by BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture between India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya, the BrahMos missile has earned its reputation as a formidable precision-strike weapon. Capable of flying at speeds up to Mach 2.8 (approximately 3,430 km/h), the missile can engage targets at ranges between 290 and 400 kilometers. Its 'fire-and-forget' capability allows for high-accuracy strikes with minimal operator intervention. The NG version of the missile marks a technological leap. Weighing just 1,290 kg compared to its predecessor's 2,900 kg, the lighter BrahMos variant allows fighter jets such as the Su-30MKI to carry up to three missiles simultaneously. It will improve sortie effectiveness and operational flexibility. Designed For Scale And Speed The Lucknow facility has been built on an 80-hectare plot provided by the Uttar Pradesh government at no cost, with an overall project investment of Rs 300 crore. From groundbreaking in 2021 to full operational status in four years, the unit represents one of India's fastest defence infrastructure turnarounds. Apart from missile assembly and testing, the facility will host the Titanium and Super Alloys Materials Plant, formally known as the Strategic Materials Technology Complex, for producing aerospace-grade materials crucial to modern weapons systems. A separate Defence Testing Infrastructure System (DTIS) facility, whose foundation was also laid during the event, will function as a national testing ground for various defence technologies. Expansion of Defence Corridor Vision Announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 2018 Global Investors' Summit, the UPDIC aims to position India as a major defence exporter while creating local jobs and boosting regional economies. After Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh is the second Indian state to establish a full-scale defence manufacturing corridor. With the BrahMos integration unit now operational, India takes a step toward aligning its strategic defence goals with self-reliance. And with production set to ramp up sharply, the missile that can be launched from land, air or sea may soon become a more frequent presence in India's growing arsenal.
Hindustan Times
12-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
BrahMos unit in Lucknow will strengthen India's self-reliance in defence sector: Rajnath Singh
Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said the BrahMos Integration and Testing Facility Centre would strengthen India's efforts towards aatma-nirbharta (self-reliance) in the defence sector. He made the remarks after virtually inaugurating the Lucknow-based facility from Delhi. Terming the BrahMos facility in Lucknow as a matter of pride for the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC), Singh stated that it has already created around 500 direct and 1,000 indirect jobs. He added that BrahMos is the confluence of top defence technologies of India and Russia. Singh commended chief minister Yogi Adityanath for completing the project in a record 40 months. He lauded efforts of the scientists, engineers, and the state government, stating that his dream of seeing Lucknow contribute meaningfully to India's defence infrastructure was finally being realised. On the progress of the UP Defence Industrial Corridor project, Singh said: 'A total of 180 MoUs have, so far, been signed with a proposed investment of ₹34,000 crore. Investment of ₹4,000 crore has already been made.' Singh quoted the Missile Man of India and former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam who had said, 'Unless India stands up to the world, no one will respect us.' In this world, fear has no place, only strength respects strength, the defence minister said. He emphasised that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's vision of setting-up the corridor rests on its goal of developing the state as the world's top defence production and export destination. Speaking on the significance of the day, Singh termed the inauguration of the BrahMos Aerospace facility on National Technology Day (May 11) as historic. He recalled the 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests, conducted under the leadership of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, which marked India's emergence as a strategic power. 'On this day in 1998, under the leadership of respected Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji, our scientists showed India's strength to the world by conducting nuclear tests in Pokhran.' The highlight of the project is that the participation of both public and the private sector is being witnessed. In Lucknow itself, titanium and super alloy material plants are being started by PTC Industries Limited, Singh added. 'In addition, the foundation of seven additional critical projects is being laid. This would accelerate the pace of India's self-reliance in the defence sector,' asserted Singh. The defence minister reiterated the government's vision of 'Make-in-India, Make-for-the-World', stressing that self-reliance not only means catering to India's own security needs, but it also envisages making the country a key exporter of defence equipment to the global market. Citing a recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, which said that global military expenditure has risen to $2,718 billion in 2024, Singh stated that such a massive market is an opportunity India must seize. 'The launch of the BrahMos facility is a firm stride towards making India a significant player in the world's defence production ecosystem,' he said. He added that Kanpur, which was known as Manchester of East in the past, will regain its lost glory due to the Defence Corridor project. Kanpur is one of the six nodes of the defence corridor in UP.
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
BrahMos not just a weapon but a message of Indian armed forces' strength: Rajnath
1 2 Lucknow: Terming the BrahMos facility in Lucknow as a matter of pride for the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC), defence minister Rajnath Singh said the missile is a confluence of top defence technologies of India and Russia."BrahMos is not just one of the world's fastest supersonic cruise missiles, but a message of the strength of the Indian Armed Forces , a message of deterrence to adversaries, and a message of the nation's unwavering commitment to safeguarding its borders," he added."The inauguration of the BrahMos Integration and Testing Facility coincides with National Technology Day. On this day in 1998, under then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's leadership, India demonstrated its capabilities through nuclear tests in Pokhran, which was achieved through dedicated efforts of scientists, engineers, and defence personnel," Rajnath Lucknow MP said, "The inauguration of the facility holds personal significance as it fulfils my vision of Lucknow's contribution to India's defence sector. Operation Sindoor 'Our job is to hit target, not to count body bags': Air Marshal Bharti on Op Sindoor Precautionary blackout imposed across parts of Rajasthan, Punjab 'Indian Navy was in position to strike Karachi': Vice Admiral on Operation Sindoor The project completed in 40 months by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's regime is commendable."Rajnath said that the facility has already created around 500 direct and 1,000 indirect jobs, reflecting the state's growing stature as a defence manufacturing over 200 acres, the Lucknow facility will roll out existing BrahMos missiles to meet increased demand, but its specific purpose is to manufacture BrahMos NG (next generation) missiles. On an average 70-100 missiles will be produced per year. The Lucknow facility will become a major integration centre for the missile and will require a robust supply chain. Tier 1, 2 & 3 suppliers are expected to move operations to Lucknow and join the defence corridor. Industries such as the PTC industry, and many more are expected to join. These industries are spread over Noida, Greater Noida, Kanpur and other places. The facility will create employment for at least 25,000 people over five years."BrahMos facility will strengthen India's efforts towards self-reliance in defence and contribute to the socio-economic development of the region by generating significant direct & indirect employment," Rajnath the Missile Man of India and former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam who had said, "Unless India stands up to the world, no one will respect us; in this world, fear has no place, only strength respects strength", Rajnath said that India is one of the most powerful nations today and the facility will help in further strengthening India's power."A total of 180 MoUs have, so far, been signed in UPDIC with a proposed investment of Rs 34,000 crore, and an investment of Rs 4,000 crore has already been made. Major investments have been made in aircraft manufacturing, UAVs, drones, ammunition, composite and critical materials, small arms, textile and parachute etc. The highlight is that the participation of both public sector and the private sectors are being witnessed. In Lucknow itself, titanium and super alloy material plants are being started by PTC Industries Limited. In addition, the foundation of seven additional critical projects is being laid. This would accelerate the pace of India's self-reliance in the defence sector," the defence minister a recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, which said that global military expenditure has risen to USD 2,718 billion in 2024, Rajnath said that such a massive market is an opportunity India must seize."The launch of the BrahMos facility is a firm stride towards making India a significant player in the world's defence production ecosystem," he said."Given the current circumstances, it is crucial that we continue to achieve our goals in a time-bound and efficient manner," he credited the state government for creating a strong development ecosystem and implementing initiatives such as setting-up of UPDIC, establishment of DRDO's Defence Technology & Test Centre in Lucknow and hosting DefExpo in 2020. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Mother's Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
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Business Standard
11-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Rajnath Singh inaugurates BrahMos supersonic missile plant in Lucknow
Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday inaugurated the BrahMos Aerospace plant in Lucknow. Rajnath Singh, who joined the event virtually from New Delhi, highlighted that BrahMos is among the fastest supersonic cruise missiles in the world. 'BrahMos is not just a weapon. It is a message of the Indian armed forces' strength, deterrence capability, resilience, and commitment to safeguarding our borders,' he said. The ₹300 crore facility, part of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC), was launched on National Technology Day, marking the anniversary of India's 1998 nuclear tests at Pokhran. The unit aims to produce 80 to 100 supersonic cruise missiles each year. BrahMos Aerospace is a joint venture between India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia's NPOM, aimed at developing next-generation supersonic missiles for domestic and export markets. Quoting former President and 'Missile Man' Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, Rajnath recalled: 'Unless India stands up to the world, no one will respect us. In this world, fear has no place. Only strength respects strength.' Singh outlined the vision to develop Uttar Pradesh into a major hub for defence manufacturing and military exports, supporting India's goal of achieving defence self-reliance. He lauded the Yogi Aditynath government for completing the facility in 40 months. The state provided nearly 200 acres of land for the project virtually free of cost. 'In the current global climate, it is critical that such strategic projects are completed on time,' Rajnath noted. Singh also inaugurated a second defence unit, Aerolloy Technologies Limited (ATL), a subsidiary of Lucknow-based PTC Industries, which specialises in titanium and superalloy components for aerospace and defence applications. The UPDIC, spread across six nodes -- Lucknow, Kanpur, Jhansi, Chitrakoot, Aligarh, and Agra, aims to attract investments to the tune of ₹50,000 crore. So far, 57 MoUs worth nearly ₹30,000 crore have been signed with major players like Bharat Dynamics, Adani Defence, Godrej, and L&T. Key products include UAVs, drones, small arms, and aircraft. Rajnath pointed out that a vast global market for defence and military exports awaits India's growing defence industry. The government aims to double India's aerospace and defence production to $25 billion and increase exports to $5 billion by the end of this year. Turning to national security, Singh stated that the Indian Armed Forces had responded decisively to the Pahalgam attack under Operation Sindoor. 'Operation Sindoor is not just a military campaign—it reflects the political, social, and diplomatic will of India,' he said. 'We've shown that when India acts against terrorism, neither terrorists nor their sponsors will find safe haven, inside or outside our borders.' The operation targeted anti-India terror infrastructure deep within Pakistan, including areas near Rawalpindi, while avoiding harm to civilians. He held Pakistan responsible for attacks on Indian citizens and places of worship. Rajnath added that the global community first saw the consequences of cross-border terrorism during the 2016 Uri attack, after which Indian forces carried out surgical strikes inside Pakistan. Following the Pahalgam incident, multiple strikes were again conducted. He reiterated that India's zero-tolerance policy on terrorism, championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reflects the resolve of a 'New India'—one that will respond with strength both within and beyond its borders. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the BrahMos plant would further the ambitious 'Make in India' vision and praised the successful execution of Operation Sindoor. He reaffirmed UP's commitment to supporting defence investors across the six UPDIC nodes. 'The time has come to completely eliminate terrorism. It cannot be curbed with soft words but with decisive action,' he said. Also present at the event were DRDO Secretary Samir V Kamat, BrahMos DG Jaiteerth Raghavendra Joshi, UP Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, and UP Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh.
