Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has renewed his efforts to push the state as a defence and aerospace hub with TDP MPs meeting Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday to hand over a wish list proposing a comprehensive plan for setting up defence-related industries and creating a suitable ecosystem across the state. As a key ally of the NDA government, Naidu has been pushing the Centre to sanction defence projects for the state as a part of his effort to industrialise Andhra Pradesh.
Naidu has proposed four defence and aerospace manufacturing hubs, including Jaggaiahpet -Donakonda for missile and ammunition production on 6,000 acres. An aircraft and defence electronics hub has been proposed at Lepakshi-Madakasira on 10,000 acres. A hub for naval equipment and weapons testing has been proposed on 3,000 acres at Visakhapatnam- Anakapalli. In another 4,000 acres at Kurnool-Orvakal, a proposal for a hub for manufacturing drones, robotics and other advanced components has been included. In addition, a DRDO Industry–Academia Centre of Excellence at IIT Tirupati has been proposed as part of the comprehensive plan.
The Chief Minister also emphasised creating a comprehensive defence ecosystem in the state through coordination between the Niti Aayog, industry experts and former DRDO chairman Satish Reddy. In his letter to the Defence Minister, Naidu wrote, “This will enable Andhra Pradesh to emerge as a key pillar in India’s defence and aerospace manufacturing ecosystem and significantly contribute to national security, indigenisation and self-reliance efforts.”
He also sought support for the upcoming Rs 2,400 crore worth strategic complex of Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) at Palasamudram and the revival aluminium alloy plant of UADNL at Nellore. Naidu recently offered land and infrastructure for HAL’s expansion for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft and Light Combat Aircraft projects, just a few km away from Bangalore airport.
Chairperson of TDP Parliamentary Party, Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, who met Rajnath Singh on behalf of the Chief Minister, wrote on ‘X’ that the party MPs highlighted “the state’s potential to become a hub for defence manufacturing, strategic projects and investments. Sought support for expediting critical initiatives in this sector.”