Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday laid the foundation stone for a Rs 16,000-crore Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) infrastructure project in Sri Sathya Sai district. The defence minister termed it a historic chapter in India's defence history.
New Era in Defence Manufacturing
Addressing the gathering, Rajnath Singh said, 'A new era is starting today in Andhra Pradesh's history and a historic chapter is being written in India's defence history. Four major projects are starting in today's foundation stone laying ceremony. Besides them, eight drone companies are also starting a drone city in Kurnool.'
About the AMCA Programme
The AMCA is India's indigenous fifth-generation, twin-engine stealth multirole fighter programme, designed for the Indian Air Force and Navy. It is intended to compete with advanced stealth fighters such as the US F-35, Chinese J-20, and Russian Su-57. Led by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), the aircraft features supercruise capability, internal weapons bays, and advanced artificial intelligence. The first prototype is expected by 2028, with squadron induction targeted for 2035.
Facility Details
The upcoming facility for aircraft integration, testing, validation, and certification is expected to accelerate the AMCA programme's development. Rajnath noted that India still depends on other countries for national security, underscoring the importance of these projects. With an investment of nearly Rs 16,000 crore, an aircraft integration and advanced flight-testing centre is being developed—facilities owned by only a few countries globally.
Praising Chief Minister Naidu for his vision, technological focus, and development-driven leadership, Rajnath stated, 'In my view, when it comes to Mr Naidu, thinking small is simply impossible. The commitment with which he has worked for the development of Andhra has been appreciated not only in India but also on international forums.'
CM Naidu remarked that the AMCA project reflects the state's speed of doing business, as Andhra aims to emerge as a major defence manufacturing hub. He said the project would strengthen India's indigenous defence capabilities and support the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative in the aerospace sector. He also described 'Operation Sindoor' as an example of India's growing technological strength, according to the Andhra CMO.
Additional Projects
The foundation stone laying ceremony also included projects such as a flight testing centre, naval systems facility, defence energetics units, ammunition plants, and drone city infrastructure. Both leaders reviewed a defence exhibition showcasing missiles, firearms, and a fighter aircraft prototype.
