UP has allocated 12,500 acres of land for defence manufacturing nodes: CM Adityanath

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said the state has allocated 12,500 acres of land for defence manufacturing as part of the country's two upcoming defence industrial corridors, one of which is being developed in the state.

Speaking at the inauguration of Raphe mPhibr Pvt Ltd's private defence equipment and engine-testing facility in Sector 80, Noida, CM Adityanath hailed Uttar Pradesh's growing role in the defence sector, with nine operational ordnance factories and several defence PSUs.

Adityanath and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who was also at the event, together inaugurated the facility.

He noted that under PM Modi and Rajnath Singh's guidance, two new defence manufacturing centres have been sanctioned, one of which is in UP. Six nodes — Aligarh, Agra, Kanpur, Lucknow, Jhansi, and Chitrakoot — are being developed over 12,500 acres, he highlighted.

Referring to Lucknow's BrahMos missile centre, the CM said, "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 AK-203 unit in Amethi and the Escort facility in Hardoi.

He thanked Rajnath Singh for bringing the BrahMos missile-manufacturing facility to Lucknow, adding that the missile system "displayed its might during Operation Sindoor." Citing India's traditional wisdom, he added, "There must be a balance between shastra aur shaastra (weapon and knowledge). A nation becomes powerful only with this balance, and it is only after becoming powerful that one can appeal for peace." Further praising Operation Sindoor, the CM said it was a turning point that showcased India's strength and underlined the need to prepare for future challenges.

At the Noida event, Singh and Adityanath also toured a drone exhibition showcasing advanced drones and electronic warfare systems.

Noting Raphe mPhibr's contribution, he added that the new facilities, including advanced drone manufacturing, would prove to be a milestone in shaping Noida into a defence hub and making India self-reliant.

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar, Defence Production Secretary Sanjeev Kumar, MP Mahesh Sharma, Noida MLA Pankaj Singh and senior officials from the defence department were among those present.