Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced that the production of BrahMos missiles has officially begun in Lucknow, with the first batch already delivered to the Indian Army, according to a TOI report. He described this as a major milestone in India’s journey toward defence self-reliance and indigenous manufacturing strength.

Speaking at a ceremony held in Lucknow to honour war heroes and veer naris, the minister expressed pride in the city’s emerging role as an important defence manufacturing hub, alongside Agra and Kanpur. He emphasized that this development reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening domestic defence capabilities and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.

Singh further highlighted significant achievements in India’s defence sector, noting that domestic production has reached ₹1.5 lakh crore in the financial year 2024–25. In addition, defence exports have touched a record high of ₹38,424 crore in 2025–26, showcasing India’s growing presence in the global defence market.

He also mentioned that multiple defence manufacturing units, both large and small, are currently being established across the region. These initiatives are expected to create a strong industrial ecosystem that will support long-term growth in indigenous defence production and innovation. The minister stressed that these developments are a clear indication of India’s steady progress toward becoming self-reliant in critical defence technologies. He expressed confidence that the country is moving toward becoming one of the leading defence manufacturing nations in the world.

A key message of his address was that national security is not solely the responsibility of the armed forces but a collective duty of every citizen. He urged people to contribute by following laws, avoiding misinformation, and always prioritizing national interest above personal gain. Concluding his speech, Singh reinforced the vision of a stronger and self-reliant India, stating that true national strength comes from unity between citizens, industry, and the armed forces working together for the nation’s security and development.