Another Big Project: DRDO Coming To AP!

Andhra Pradesh is preparing for a major transformation in the defence and aerospace sector with the upcoming DRDO aircraft integration and flight testing complex at Puttaparthi in Sri Sathya Sai district. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh andCM Chandrababu Naidu are scheduled to lay the foundation stone for the prestigious project on May 15.

The Andhra Pradesh government has allocated nearly 350 acres for the facility, which is expected to become one of India’s biggest aerospace and defence research hubs. The project is likely to attract investments worth nearly ₹1 lakh crore and will play a crucial role in India’s indigenous defence manufacturing ambitions under the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.

The facility is being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation through the Aeronautical Development Agency for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft programme. The centre will support aircraft assembly, systems integration and flight testing for future combat aircraft and unmanned aerial systems.

The project is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs while bringing major investments in avionics, defence electronics, propulsion systems and advanced engineering sectors.

With this development, Rayalaseema is steadily emerging as a new hotspot for industrial and high technology investments. The hashtag #RayalaseemaTakesOff is now gaining attention as several major projects are being announced for the region.

The Chandrababu Naidu government is projecting the DRDO project as a milestone achievement in positioning Andhra Pradesh as a national aerospace and defence destination.

Along with industrial growth, the government is also highlighting its financial management measures, stating that Andhra Pradesh saved nearly ₹4,398 crore on power purchases through strategic planning and efficient energy management.