Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday called for self-reliance in the defense manufacturing sector as it cannot depend on other countries for national security.
Addressing the gathering after laying the foundation stone for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project and several strategic defense manufacturing units at Puttaparthi in Sri Sathya Sai district of Andhra Pradesh, Singh said indigenous defense manufacturing projects will significantly boost India’s defense sector.
The facility, set up by the Aeronautical Development Agency of the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), will house the core integration, development and flight test complex for India’s flagship indigenous fifth-generation fighter aircraft programme.
The Union Defense Minister described the project as a historic milestone in the defense history of both Andhra Pradesh and the country, and said it would focus on developing fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft.
It is spread over an area of approximately 650 acres in Puttaparthi with an estimated project cost of approx $Worth Rs 15,803 crore, the proposed complex will serve as a national hub for aircraft integration, validation, flight testing and certification activities. “Only a few countries in the world have such flight test centres. India has now joined this alliance,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the advanced fighter jets developed under the AMCA program would eventually take off from Puttaparthi, showcasing India’s growing air and defense power.
Bharat Dynamics Limited will invest, Singh said $480 crore to manufacture advanced underwater systems and torpedoes, enabling India to indigenously produce several systems that were earlier imported. “The project will enhance coastal security and support blue economy initiatives in the country,” he said.
Singh also mentioned that Agneyastra, a subsidiary of Bharat Forge, will manufacture advanced weapon systems with an investment of Rs. $1500 crores for future war requirements. He added that HFCL will establish a facility with an investment of $1,294 Crores for manufacturing of electric valves.
The Defense Minister said that eight drone companies are jointly developing a drone city in Kurnool, which will strengthen the ‘Make in India’ initiative. “Drone technology has become a game-changer in modern warfare. Apart from defence, drones also have applications in agriculture and many other sectors,” he said.
Andhra Pradesh will manufacture weapons and technology for the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force, he said, adding that the projects will help achieve complete self-reliance in the defense sector.
Singh said the government and the private sector are working together to accelerate the growth of India’s defense system. “Industries, startups and enterprises are collectively participating in a mass movement for national development,” he said.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has called for the Rayalaseema region to be developed into a major military-industrial complex, citing its proximity to Bengaluru as a strategic advantage. “If this region turns into a military-industrial center, it will play a decisive role in national development,” he said.
Singh praised Naidu for bringing cutting-edge technologies, including quantum technology, to Andhra Pradesh and added that global technology giants like Google have chosen the state for investments. “AP stands for Advanced Pradesh. Andhra Pradesh has become a role model for the country,” he pointed out.
Singh said foundation stones have been laid for four defense companies under the Strategic Defense Project and for eight companies in the proposed drone city in Kurnool.
Highlighting India’s progress in defense manufacturing over the past decade, Singh said the country was once one of the world’s largest arms importers, but the situation has changed dramatically due to ongoing political measures.
“Earlier, India produced defense equipment worth no more than $100 $46,000 Crores. Today, production has exceeded $1.54 crore and will reach soon $1.75 lakh crore, he said, adding that defense exports have increased from just $600 Crores earlier to approx $40,000 crores now.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Prime Minister described ‘Operation Sindoor’ as a proud example of India’s growing technological strength and the success of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative in the defense sector.
He said that the AMCA project will showcase the capabilities of the Indian defense sector and promote the manufacturing of indigenous fighter aircraft using indigenous technology. “This will pave the way for the development of a dedicated township and generate employment opportunities for about 7,500 people,” he added.
Inviting industrialists and entrepreneurs to invest in the state, Naidu asked them to “design in Andhra Pradesh, manufacture in Andhra Pradesh and lead from Andhra Pradesh”. He assured full support of the state government to industries and investors coming to Andhra Pradesh.
State IT Minister Nara Lokesh praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his strong response to Pakistan, which he said made every Indian proud. He described Rajnath Singh as an “iron man” and one of the biggest strengths behind Operation Sindoor.
Lokesh said that the holy land of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai is now emerging as a new center for India’s defense force with the setting up of Project AMCA.
