Rajnath Singh, Yogi Adityanath inaugurate defence and drone manufacturing hub in Noida

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday inaugurated a defence equipment and drone manufacturing unit, an aircraft engine facility, and a defence aerospace test centre in Gautam Buddha Nagar, marking a major boost to India’s defence production capabilities.

Calling the project a milestone in turning Noida into a defence hub, CM Yogi said: “A nation becomes strong only by striking a balance between 'shastra' and 'shaastra', and Uttar Pradesh is playing a leading role in defence production.” He added that advanced drone manufacturing facilities would strengthen national security against electronic warfare, reducing India’s dependence on foreign powers.

The Chief Minister also reflected on India’s evolving warfare strategies since Independence, recalling Operation Sindoor as a turning point. Quoting Guru Dronacharya and Maharana Pratap, he stressed: “When the nation is protected with shastra, only then can shaastra flourish.”

Highlighting Uttar Pradesh’s expanding role in the sector, Yogi noted that the state already has nine operational ordnance factories, along with several defence PSUs. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, two new defence manufacturing centres have been approved, including one in UP. Six nodes—Aligarh, Agra, Kanpur, Lucknow, Jhansi, and Chitrakoot—are being developed over 12,500 acres.

Referring to Lucknow’s BrahMos missile centre, the CM remarked: “Lucknow’s smile was incomplete until the echo of the missile reached the enemy’s ears. In Operation Sindoor, BrahMos showcased its capability.” He also cited other projects such as the DDL centre in Jhansi, the AK-203 unit in Amethi, and the Escort facility in Hardoi.

At the event, Singh and Adityanath toured a drone exhibition featuring advanced drones and electronic warfare systems. Senior leaders including Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar, Defence Production Secretary Sanjeev Kumar, MP Mahesh Sharma, and other defence officials were present.