Uttar Pradesh is emerging as a key hub for India’s aerospace and defence sectors, with initiatives like the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC) driving investments worth over ₹28,475 crore. The state’s policies, including the Aerospace and Defence Unit Policy 2024, aim to attract ₹50,000 crore, fostering self-reliance under Aatmanirbhar Bharat, creating jobs, and boosting exports by 2029.
Uttar Pradesh’s Aerospace and Defence Surge
Uttar Pradesh is rapidly positioning itself as a powerhouse in India’s aerospace and defence manufacturing, aligning with the national vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC), spanning six districts—Lucknow, Kanpur, Jhansi, Aligarh, Agra, and Chitrakoot—has attracted significant investments, with 169 companies signing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth ₹28,475 crore. These investments are expected to create thousands of jobs and position the state as India’s largest weapons supplier by 2029, with projected annual defence exports exceeding ₹25,000 crore, including ammunition, drones, and missile systems.
A pivotal development is the BrahMos Aerospace Unit in Lucknow, part of a ₹300 crore investment within the UPDIC. This facility, set for inauguration, will focus on missile production, testing, and integration, strengthening India’s missile capabilities. The Jhansi node of the corridor has allocated 531 hectares to 16 companies, with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) constructing a ₹140 crore missile unit, part of a broader ₹400 crore investment. Similarly, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) is establishing a ₹400 crore radar manufacturing plant in Agra, spanning 123 hectares.
The state government’s Aerospace and Defence Unit and Employment Promotion Policy 2024 has been instrumental in attracting investments. Notified in June 2025, the policy outlines Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to streamline investments, with the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) as the nodal agency. The policy targets ₹50,000 crore in investments over the next few years, emphasizing foreign direct investment, local manufacturing, and employment generation. Incentives include subsidized land, tax benefits, and streamlined approvals, making Uttar Pradesh an attractive destination for global and domestic players.
Lucknow is also a contender for the production facility of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India’s fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, competing with cities like Bangalore, Nashik, Coimbatore, and Hyderabad. The AMCA program, led by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) in collaboration with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and private partners, underscores Uttar Pradesh’s growing role in cutting-edge defence technology.
Private sector participation is on the rise, with companies like Adani Defence and Aerospace establishing a plant in Kanpur and DRDO setting up a test site in Lucknow. The state’s infrastructure, including four expressway airstrips for military operations, enhances its strategic importance. Recent posts on X highlight the sentiment, with users noting Uttar Pradesh’s transformation into a defence manufacturing hub, driven by initiatives like the BrahMos unit and high-tech rifle production in Amethi.
However, challenges remain. The state must compete with other regions like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, which are also developing aerospace and defence clusters. Andhra Pradesh, for instance, has attracted ₹22,000 crore from 23 companies and aims for ₹1 lakh crore in investments by 2030 under its Aerospace and Defence Policy 4.0. Uttar Pradesh’s success will depend on sustained policy support, infrastructure development, and private-sector collaboration to maintain its edge.
The state’s efforts align with the broader Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which emphasizes self-reliance in defence production. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently described India’s defence sector as a “Goldilocks moment,” citing the success of private players like Tata, Larsen & Toubro, and Bharat Forge in bolstering indigenous capabilities. Uttar Pradesh’s defence corridor is a critical component of this vision, reducing reliance on imports and fostering innovation. With expressways, air connectivity, and aggressive policy support, the state is poised to play a transformative role in India’s defence sovereignty.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports, official statements, and posts on X. Information is sourced from credible outlets like Times of India, Moneycontrol, and The Hindu, but some claims may require further verification due to the dynamic nature of the aerospace and defence sectors.