NEW DELHI: In a significant advancement for India's stealth aircraft programme, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday laid the foundation stone for the core integration and flight testing centre at Puttaparthi in Sri Sathya Sai district. This facility is designed to accelerate the development of the 5th-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and other future indigenous platforms.
AMCA Project and Facility Details
The total outlay for the AMCA project is approximately Rs 15,000 crore, while the testing centre itself is being established at a cost of Rs 2,000 crore. Speaking at the ceremony, Rajnath Singh remarked, "Puttaparthi is set to join the exclusive league of global destinations from which a fifth-generation aircraft will take to the skies. It will become the birthplace of an aircraft capable of annihilating the enemy in the blink of an eye." He described the stone-laying ceremony as a "historic chapter in India's defence history."
Drone City and Naval Systems Facility
In another major development, a consortium of eight drone companies has joined forces to establish a Drone City in Kurnool. The Defence Minister stated that this region will soon be recognised as the "Drone Hub" of the country. Additionally, Rajnath and Naidu laid the foundation stone for a naval systems manufacturing facility of Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) at T Sirasapalli village in Anakapalli district. This Rs 480-crore project will cater to requirements for advanced underwater weapons and naval combat systems.
Defence Energetics and Other Investments
A defence energetics facility of Agneyastra Energetics Ltd, a subsidiary of Bharat Forge, is also being set up with an investment of Rs 1,500 crore. The Defence Ministry confirmed that various companies exchanged Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Andhra Pradesh government to establish defence units in the state. An ammunition and electric fuse plant of HFCL Limited is being established with an investment of around Rs 1,200 crore.
Minister's Address: Self-Reliance and Growth
Addressing the gathering, Rajnath Singh described the commencement of these projects as "truly historic", asserting that "Aatmanirbharta in defence manufacturing is a critical imperative to safeguard national interests in the current era of global turbulence." He emphasised, "These projects will cater to all the branches of the defence forces. Our objective is crystal clear: We are advancing with the resolute goal of achieving self-reliance in the defence sector, ensuring that the three services are future-ready. The projects will prove to be a milestone in the nation’s pursuit of self-reliance and Andhra Pradesh’s journey of development." The minister highlighted that these projects will serve as powerful "growth poles", resulting in massive employment generation.
Praise for Andhra CM
Rajnath praised Chief Minister Naidu for his vision, technological focus, and development-driven leadership, stating, "In my view, when it comes to Mr Naidu, thinking small is simply impossible. And the commitment with which he has worked for the development of Andhra, I want to say with conviction that it has been appreciated not only in India but also on international forums."
CM Naidu's Remarks and Vision
Chief Minister Naidu said the AMCA project reflects the state’s "speed of doing business" as Andhra Pradesh aims to emerge as a major defence manufacturing hub. He commended the efforts of Prime Minister Modi and the Defence Minister towards strengthening India's defence capabilities and modernising the military with a sustained focus on indigenisation and self-reliance. Naidu noted that the nation's preparedness and global standing in defence and aerospace sectors have been enhanced due to continued emphasis on reforms, investment, and innovation.
He also described "Op Sindoor" as a proud example of India’s growing strength and technological progress and expressed confidence that the facilities for which foundation stones have been laid will bolster the defence preparedness of the country and foster growth in the region. Naidu called upon industries and entrepreneurs to "design-in-Andhra Pradesh, make-in-Andhra Pradesh, lead-from-Andhra Pradesh", extending the state government's full cooperation.
