Rajnath Singh Launches Major Defence and Aerospace Projects in Andhra Pradesh

Puttaparthi (Andhra Pradesh), May 2026 : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday laid the foundation stone for the Aircraft Integration and Flight Test Centre of the Aeronautical Development Agency along with several strategic aerospace and defence manufacturing projects in Andhra Pradesh, marking a major push towards strengthening India’s indigenous defence ecosystem.

The Defence Minister, accompanied by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, participated in the groundbreaking ceremony held in Puttaparthi in Sri Sathya Sai district. The event covered multiple projects related to aerospace, missiles, naval systems, ammunition manufacturing, and drone technologies.

Among the key projects announced was the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) integration and flight test facility being developed by the ADA under the Defence Research and Development Organisation. The AMCA programme represents India’s ambitious indigenous fifth-generation fighter aircraft initiative aimed at advancing self-reliance in next-generation combat aviation.

The proposed complex, spread over nearly 650 acres in Puttaparthi, will function as a national hub for aircraft integration, validation, flight testing and certification activities. Officials said the project would significantly enhance India’s strategic aerospace infrastructure while reducing dependence on foreign testing ecosystems.

The AMCA project is estimated to cost around Rs 15,803 crore and is expected to generate nearly 7,500 direct high-skilled employment opportunities during its lifecycle. Authorities believe the project will also create a wider defence manufacturing and aerospace ecosystem in the Rayalaseema region.

During the event, the foundation stone was also laid for a new Bharat Dynamics Limited naval systems manufacturing facility at T. Sirasapalli in Anakapalli district. Additional projects launched included a Defence Energetics Facility and Ammunition Hub at Madakasira in Sri Sathya Sai district and a series of Drone City projects in Kurnool.

The ceremony also witnessed the exchange of several Memorandums of Understanding between defence entities and the Andhra Pradesh government, aimed at strengthening collaboration in defence manufacturing, aerospace innovation and advanced drone technologies.

Rajnath Singh, Chandrababu Naidu, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, Andhra Pradesh IT and Electronics Minister Nara Lokesh and senior officials also visited an exhibition showcasing defence products and technologies. The exhibition featured missiles, hand grenades, modern firearms, ammunition systems and a fighter aircraft prototype.

Speaking at the event, officials highlighted that the AMCA programme is designed to develop advanced stealth systems, integrated avionics and next-generation combat capabilities entirely within India, reinforcing the country’s defence self-reliance goals under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative.

The Andhra Pradesh government stated that the state has been aggressively positioning itself as a preferred destination for defence and aerospace investments by leveraging industrial infrastructure, skilled manpower, port connectivity and investor-friendly policies.

According to officials, Sri Sathya Sai district has rapidly emerged as a promising destination for advanced manufacturing and aerospace-linked industries due to its strategic proximity to Bengaluru’s aerospace ecosystem, including major defence establishments and Kempegowda International Airport.

The state government also noted that Andhra Pradesh already hosts major defence investments from companies such as Bharat Electronics Limited, Bharat Dynamics Limited and Kalyani Strategic Systems.

Under the Andhra Pradesh Aerospace and Defence Policy 2025–30, the state has identified six specialised defence and aerospace clusters focusing on naval systems, missiles, ammunition, unmanned systems, aerospace electronics, aircraft components, defence electronics, precision manufacturing, testing infrastructure and defence research and development.

Officials said these initiatives are expected to attract global original equipment manufacturers, Tier-1 suppliers and technology companies, further strengthening Andhra Pradesh’s role in India’s rapidly expanding defence and aerospace sector.