Kerala Chief Minister Urges Retention of BrahMos Facility

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan has urged Union Defence Minister to retain the BrahMos manufacturing facility in the state. He expressed concerns over plans to separate BATL from BrahMos Aerospace, citing its importance to local industrial development and its partnerships with ISRO and DRDO.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has made a strong appeal to Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh concerning the BrahMos manufacturing facility's future in the state.

The CM's office released a statement on Friday, emphasizing Vijayan's request to maintain the BrahMos facility within Kerala's capital. He warned against separating BrahMos Aerospace Thiruvananthapuram Limited (BATL) from its parent company, as it could undermine Kerala's industrial growth.

Vijayan highlighted how BATL plays a pivotal role in supporting key institutions like ISRO and DRDO. He also noted that the workforce fears a production halt if BATL is detached. BATL emerged as a major force in India's defense manufacturing since KELTEC merged into BrahMos Aerospace in 2007.

(With inputs from agencies.)