India, Nov. 11 -- The inauguration of the BrahMos Aerospace production facility in Lucknow a while ago marks a watershed moment in India's defence trajectory-one that I believe will be studied in strategic circles for decades to come. Having witnessed the evolution of the BrahMos programme from its inception and championed its integration across all three services during my tenure, I can assert that this facility represents far more than industrial expansion. It is a strategic recalibration that positions Uttar Pradesh at the intersection of national security, technological sovereignty, and economic transformation.

During my years in service, particularly as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Air Command and later as Chief o...