Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s emergence as a key hub for defence manufacturing, with investments exceeding ₹34,000 crore across six nodes of the state’s defence corridor. Speaking at the inauguration of Ashok Leyland’s new electric vehicle plant, Singh said the corridor is producing arms, ammunition, and fighter aircraft equipment, marking a decisive shift toward India’s self-reliance in weapons and defence systems.

The UP defence corridor spans Lucknow, Kanpur, Jhansi, Agra, Aligarh, and Chitrakoot, with large private and public companies setting up manufacturing units. Singh emphasized that India no longer depends on foreign imports for missiles, weapons, or military equipment, as major production now occurs domestically, including critical systems like BrahMos missiles.

Singh pointed to the Uttar Pradesh Aerospace and Defence Unit and Employment Promotion Policy, which aims to attract large-scale investment over the next five years. He said the initiative will create employment opportunities for lakhs of youth, reducing the need for migration outside the state while boosting local industrial growth.

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The Minister credited the state government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, for facilitating land allotment, timely clearances, and smooth project implementation. He said the “double-engine” governance model has accelerated industrial development, enabling both public and private enterprises to establish state-of-the-art defence manufacturing units efficiently.

Highlighting specific projects, Singh mentioned that a BrahMos Aerospace facility in Lucknow is already operational, manufacturing BrahMos missiles whose effectiveness was demonstrated during Operation Sindoor. He added that ongoing investments and policies are positioning Uttar Pradesh as a central player in India’s strategic defence ecosystem.

Looking ahead, Singh expressed optimism that the corridor’s expansion will further strengthen India’s defence manufacturing capabilities, enhance technological expertise, and create a robust employment ecosystem, reinforcing the country’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat in the defence sector.

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