‘Lucknow unit will play key role in design, development of BrahMos NG’: Former CEO & MD Sudhir Kumar Mishra

Distinguished scientist, former director general (BrahMos), DRDO, and former CEO and MD of BrahMos Aerospace, Sudhir Kumar Mishra, in an interview with Arvind Chauhan, shared details about the BrahMos manufacturing unit in Lucknow.Excerpts:Why BrahMos manufacturing unit in Lucknow?BrahMos Aerospace already has units in Hyderabad, Nagpur and Pilani, with its headquarters in Delhi. The new Lucknow unit has been established to meet the increasing requirements of the Indian armed forces, as capacity at existing sites is already saturated. Three years ago, I met chief minister Yogi Adityanath to request land for the new unit. He asked me to survey available land and assured me that if I didn’t like it, another location would be considered. The then additional chief secretary Awanish Kumar Awasthi, who was also head of UPIEDA, showed the land and promised swift allotment. Over 200 acres were allotted within two weeks. Present leadership of Uttar Pradesh is very progressive and proactive. If you go to other states, you will realize that there are problems of land, manpower and a quick response from the administration.What can we expect from BrahMos manufacturing unit? Will it also produce NG version?Initially, the Lucknow facility will roll out existing BrahMos missile to meet increased demand, but its specific purpose is to manufacture BrahMos NG (next generation) missile. The BrahMos NG will have a range of 300km, equal to the current missile, but will be significantly lighter, at 1.2 tonnes (1,200 kg) compared to the existing model’s 2,900kg. BrahMos NG would be integrated on Sukhoi 30. Currently, Su-30 can integrate only one missile, but with NG version, five missiles can be integrated: four on Light Combat Aircraft. On land and ship versions, instead of three missiles, six or eight can be packed, thanks to the reduced size. This approach maintains effectiveness while increasing numbers and reducing costs, ensuring steady supply to the armed forces.Will the Lucknow unit also participate in the design and development of BrahMos NG before starting its mass production?The Lucknow facility will be central to producing BrahMos NG. The missile system is under development, with the Lucknow unit participating in design, development and manufacturing. 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.What’s the scope of employment generation at BrahMos manufacturing facility in Lucknow?The facility will require mechanical, electrical, civil and software engineers, both directly and for vendors. For every 100 jobs created at the facility, about 1,000 jobs are expected to be generated through vendors, due to the supply chain ripple effect. Each engineering job in manufacturing can create up to 20 downstream jobs in transport, communication, food and support services. We projected around 400 direct jobs at the facility, which could create employment for at least 25,000 people over five years, with an expanded impact on families. The credit goes to defence minister and Lucknow MP Rajnath Singh for his support and belief in the city’s capabilities. We appreciate Lucknow’s culture which is soft and decent.