The state of Andhra Pradesh today unfolded a new and exciting chapter in its journey towards creating a thriving defence ecosystem in the country.
AP’s chief minister Mr Nara Chandrababu Naidu along with India’s defence Minister Mr Rajnath Singh laid the foundation stone for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme infrastructure and the launch of multiple defence, aerospace and drone manufacturing projects in Puttaparthi, Sri Sathya Sai District of Andhra Pradesh.
The event is a major milestone in Andhra Pradesh’s emergence as a national hub for defence manufacturing, aerospace innovation and unmanned systems development.
It aligns with the Government of India’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the rapid indigenisation of advanced defence technologies.
The AMCA programme is designed to advance India’s self-reliance in next-generation combat aviation technologies, including stealth systems, advanced avionics and integrated combat capabilities.
India’s indigenous 5th generation stealth fighter programme, being developed by DRDO and the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), represents one of the country’s most advanced aerospace initiatives.
The project is expected to significantly strengthen India’s strategic aerospace infrastructure while reducing dependence on external testing ecosystems.
Spread across nearly 650 acres in Puttaparthi with an estimated project cost of approximately Rs 15,803 crore, the proposed complex will serve as a national hub for aircraft integration, validation, flight testing and certification activities.
India’s defence minister lauded CM Naidu for his visionary leadership and his relentless focus on technology.
“In my long political career, I have worked with numerous leaders and public representatives possessing great foresight. However, the passion for technology, unwavering focus on development, and future-oriented thinking displayed by Chandrababu Naidu are qualities rarely found elsewhere” said the Raksha Mantri.
Highlighting the significance of the AMCA project, AP’s minister Mr Nara Lokesh said Puttaparthi is today gaining a new identity on India’s defence map.
“This is not just a defence project — it is a transformational initiative that will shape the future of Rayalaseema,” he said.
Thanking India’s Defence minister Mr Rajnath Singh for allocating this project to AP Mr Naidu said it would pave the way for the development of a dedicated township and generate employment opportunities for around 7,500 people.
“With space capabilities from Sriharikota, missile prowess from Nagayalanka, naval strength from Visakhapatnam, and air defence capabilities from Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh stands as a protective shield for the nation. This is the contribution our state offers to the Centre”, said Mr Naidu.
Billionaire and Managing director of Bharat Forge, Mr Baba Kalyani appreciated the CM for his visionary leadership and said that CM Naidu is a man full of ideas and a man full of speed.
He noted that the Sri Sathya district region is bound to become a strategic production hub of national importance.
AP’s Secretary for Industries and Commerce, Dr N Yuvaraj, IAS hailed the speed of which this project has been brought to action.
Developing an Entire Ecosystem
Alongside the AMCA programme, AP will witness the grounding of several major defence manufacturing investments spanning missiles, ammunition, energetics, defence propellants and advanced systems manufacturing.
Foundation was also be laid for projects by Premier Explosives Limited, Agneyastra Energetics Limited, Drogo Drones Private Limited, Dronelab Technologies Pvt Ltd, HC Robotics Pvt Ltd, SenseImage Technologies Private Limited, Aerpace Industries, JDK Fly Drone World Pvt Ltd, and Latrics Aerospace Private Limited.
These projects collectively represent investments worth thousands of crores and are expected to generate significant employment opportunities in the state.
About the Region
Sri Sathya Sai District has rapidly emerged as a high-potential destination for advanced manufacturing and aerospace-linked investments.
Its strategic proximity to the Bengaluru aerospace ecosystem, including Kempegowda International Airport and major defence establishments, positions the region as a natural extension of India’s southern aerospace corridor.
The district has also witnessed growing industrial activity across aerospace, defence, electronics, automobile components, metals and allied sectors.
Drone Ecosystem
The state will also showcase its growing Drone City ecosystem, featuring companies working in autonomous systems, AI-enabled drones, UAV manufacturing, robotics, surveillance technologies, aerospace components and drone R&D.
The Government of Andhra Pradesh has been actively positioning the state as a preferred destination for high-technology manufacturing sectors by leveraging its industrial infrastructure, port connectivity, skilled workforce and investor-friendly policies.
This initiative is expected to further strengthen AP’s standing in India’s evolving defence and aerospace landscape.
AP’s Defence Sector
Andhra Pradesh has already established a strong presence in defence manufacturing through investments by leading companies such as Bharat Electronics Limited, Bharat Dynamics Limited and Kalyani Strategic Systems.
Under the Aerospace and Defence Policy 2025–30, the State has identified six specialised clusters focused on naval systems, missiles and ammunition, unmanned systems, aerospace and electronics, aircraft components, defence electronics, precision manufacturing, dedicated testing facilities and defence R&D, creating targeted opportunities for global OEMs, Tier-1 suppliers and technology companies.
Civil Aviation Minister Mr Ram Mohan Naidu, AP’s Industry Minister Mr TG Bharath, BJP State President Mr PVN Madhav along with many other high profile dignitaries participated in the ground breaking ceremony.
