“Unveiling India’s Defense Prowess at CEL Data-Centre Ceremony.“
Yogi Adityanath
UP’s Emergence as a Defense Manufacturing Powerhouse
At the foundation ceremony for Central Electronics Ltd’s (CEL) green data centre in Sahibabad on June 26, 2025, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath spotlighted a strategic shift in India’s defense landscape. Emphasizing the state’s transformation since 2017, he underscored how CEL has become instrumental in producing vital components for Akash and BrahMos missiles for the Lucknow node of the Defence Industrial Corridor . The CM noted UP’s economic growth—quadrupling the economy and per‑capita income—stood as proof of the state’s rising industrial and investment profile .
Operation Sindoor: India’s Tactical Missile Mastery
Yogi took a historic stance in recalling Operation Sindoor, India’s retaliatory strike on Pakistan in response to the May 7 terrorist attack in Pahalgam. He confirmed that Akash and BrahMos missiles, largely developed and tested in UP, played a critical role in the operation:
“These missiles were successfully tested in Pakistan and have now become trusted by the world” .
These systems executed precise strikes on Pakistani military and terror infrastructure—inflicting damage across multiple airbases and facilities, forcing Pakistan to seek a ceasefire.
BrahMos: Supersonic Excellence Proven in Combat
The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile—a joint DRDO-Russia venture—demonstrated exceptional capability.
“World saw what BrahMos can do… ask the people in Pakistan what the missile is capable of” .
Deployed in mid‑May strikes on nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoK, it exceeded expectations. Analysis later revealed it outperformed many global defense systems, with U.S. experts even declaring it superior to some Chinese air-defense counterparts.
Akash: Air Defense Turned Strategic Strike
Originally designed as a surface-to-air defense missile with a 25 km range and Mach 2.5 speed, Akash was innovatively adapted for ground targets during Sindoor. Fired from instruments at Chandipur, it registered remarkable accuracy and versatility. DRDO veteran Dr Prahlada Ramarao expressed personal pride:
“The happiest day of life… seeing my baby work so accurately and beautifully in shooting down incoming enemy aerial targets” .
From Chandipur to the World Stage
The success at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur reinforced India’s self-reliance. BrahMos struck fortified bunkers and airbase sections with 1‑meter precision; Akash’s surface-to-surface version neutralized threats effectively . The world took note—and Pakistan realized the truth firsthand .
Missile Production in UP: CEL & Infrastructure Boom
Yogi underlined the contribution of CEL, a PSU that now produces radar, radome, and propulsion components. Its sixth data centre in the state (a green, Tier‑3 facility costing ₹1,000 crore) links defence, surveillance, solar, and rail industries under one umbrella . With robust investments—₹50 lakh crore proposed, ₹15 lakh crore already underway—UP’s Defence Corridor is reshaping the economy and generating tens of thousands of jobs .
Global Trust & Defense Diplomacy
Yogi emphasized that BrahMos and Akash are now trusted globally. BrahMos exports are underway, and Akash has been shipped to Armenia with interest from Brazil, Philippines, Egypt, Vietnam and Sudan.
“The BrahMos manufacturing facility in Lucknow will not only enhance India’s production capabilities but will also export missiles to friendly nations” .
A Visionary Model of Self-Reliant Defense
Highlighting self-reliance as the cornerstone of national security, Yogi drew parallels with Israel’s deterrent posture. He emphasized how India, through robust indigenous R&D, had taken control of its skies and strategic autonomy .
The Road Ahead: UP, India & Strategic Power
As nationwide focus intensifies on missile capability, UP is fast becoming a defense manufacturing powerhouse. The synergy of tech, infrastructure, and human capital is transforming perceptions of the state—from BIMARU to Bharat’s critical defense backbone.
Conclusion: A Message Heard Across Borders
Chief Minister Adityanath’s remarks underscore a pivotal strategic message: India’s defense technology is battle-tested, precise, and world-class. With the BrahMos and Akash missiles shaping India’s response in Operation Sindoor, the message to adversaries is clear—and global trust is rising.
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