New Delhi: In a significant development for India’s defense infrastructure, the Supreme Court of India has approved the allotment of 180 acres of land at Nettukaltheri, Kattakkada, for the establishment of a BrahMos missile manufacturing facility in Thiruvananthapuram. The green signal from the apex court paves the way for the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and BrahMos Aerospace Trivandrum Limited (BATL) to expand their strategic production and integration capabilities in the southern state.
The land, part of the open prison campus at Nettukaltheri, will be divided to accommodate multiple defense and security-related projects. Of the 180 acres, 32 acres will be designated for the missile facility itself, another 32 acres for the establishment of a Strategic Security Battalion (SSB) headquarters, and an additional 32 acres for a National Forensic Science Laboratory. The remaining portions of the campus will continue under existing functions, and any further allocation will require separate approval from the Supreme Court.
The court’s decision follows a detailed review of the DRDO’s request, highlighting the strategic importance of retaining the Thiruvananthapuram hub for missile production, testing, and integration. Defense experts note that BATL plays a critical role in maintaining continuity for BrahMos missile assembly and is instrumental in India’s broader defense manufacturing strategy, particularly as the missile system evolves into next-generation variants.
Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram hub has long been recognized as a key node in India’s missile production ecosystem. The Supreme Court’s approval is expected to bolster plans for a defense industrial corridor in the region, which may include ancillary manufacturing units and support services for defense projects. Analysts suggest that this development could generate employment opportunities, stimulate local economic growth, and attract further investments in high-tech defense industries.
Alongside strategic benefits, the expansion intersects with ongoing infrastructure projects, such as runway upgrades at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, which require careful coordination with defense land allocations. Officials emphasize that the integrated approach to land use will ensure that both civil and defense projects proceed without compromising operational requirements.
The Thiruvananthapuram facility is part of India’s broader push to strengthen indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities. With recent inaugurations of missile production units in other parts of the country, such as Lucknow, the expansion in Kerala reinforces regional balance and enhances production depth. The facility is expected to house advanced manufacturing, testing, and integration lines for BrahMos missiles, consolidating Thiruvananthapuram’s status as a strategic defense hub in southern India.
The Supreme Court’s nod marks a decisive step in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in defense technology. As the formal land transfer process begins, construction of the missile facility, SSB headquarters, and Forensic Laboratory is anticipated to commence soon, strengthening both regional infrastructure and national security.