Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor

What are the key features of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor?

Approach: Introduce with a brief background on Defence Industrial Corridors. In the body highlight the key features of the corridor. Conclude with underlining the significance of the corridor in promoting the indigenization of the defence sector.

The Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC) was announced in the Union Budget 2018-19 as one of two defense industrial corridors in India (alongside Tamil Nadu). Following are some of its key features:

1. Strategic node network: The corridor connects six nodes across Uttar Pradesh – Aligarh, Agra, Jhansi, Kanpur, Chitrakoot, and Lucknow – each developing specialized defense manufacturing capabilities.
2. Investment attraction: As of March 2023, the corridor has secured 108 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with potential investments of ₹12,191 crore.
3. Industrial partnerships: Major defense manufacturers including Adani Defence and BrahMos Aerospace have established significant presence in the corridor, strengthening the industrial ecosystem with advanced technology partnerships.
4. Manufacturing milestones: Notable production successes include the delivery of indigenously manufactured AK-203 rifles and development of a dedicated BrahMos missile manufacturing facility.
5. A distinctive ecosystem supports MSMEs and Start Ups to participate in the defence supply chain, fostering innovation and specialized component manufacturing (e.g., MOUs with Indian Navy and Air Force).
6. Employment generation: Projected to create approximately 40,000 jobs across the six district nodes, contributing significantly to skilled employment in the region.
7. Policy framework: The initiative benefits from dedicated government support including streamlined regulations, tax incentives, and single-window clearance
8. Plug and play infrastructure: Comprehensive support including assured water supply, uninterrupted 132 KVA electricity, secured facilities and connectivity to 4-lane highways linked with the Bundelkhand Expressway and Delhi-Jhansi route.
9. Indigenous technology development: The corridor emphasizes research and development focused on addressing specific gaps in India’s defense capabilities through domestic innovation and technology adaptation.

UPDIC stands as a cornerstone in India’s defense indigenization strategy, leveraging UP’s industrial strengths to achieve Atmanirbharta in defence manufacturing while positioning the state as a significant contributor to both domestic security and global defense markets.