Rajnath Singh reaches Andhra Pradesh's Puttaparthi for launch of major aerospace, defence projects
Sri Sathya Sai, May 15
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday arrived in Puttaparthi in Andhra Pradesh's Sri Sathya Sai district to attend the foundation stone laying and grounding ceremonies of several major aerospace and defence projects.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and state minister Nara Lokesh welcomed the Defence Minister at the airport.
The projects include the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Integration and Flight Testing Centre, Naval Systems Facility, Defence Energetics, Ammunition Plants and Drone City.
Earlier in the day, Singh shared details of his visit in a post on X.
"Today, 15th May, I shall be in Puttaparthi (Andhra Pradesh). I will attend the Foundation Stone Laying and Grounding Ceremonies of major aerospace and defence projects including Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft Integration & Flight Testing Centre, Naval Systems Facility, Defence Energetics, Ammunition Plants and Drone City. Looking forward," the Defence Minister posted.
The foundation stone will be laid for an Aircraft Integration & Flight Testing Centre of the Aeronautical Development Agency. This facility for aircraft integration, testing, validation and certification would accelerate the development of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme, an official release from Ministry of Defence said.
As per a release, the Defence Minister will also lay the foundation stone for a new state-of-the-art Naval Systems Manufacturing Facility of Bharat Dynamics Limited at T. Sirasapalli village in Anakapalli district. The complex would be set up to meet the growing requirements of advanced underwater weapon systems and naval combat systems.
In addition, grounding ceremonies will be held for the Defence Energetics Facility of Agneyastra Energetics Limited (Subsidiary of Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited); Ammunition & Electric Fuzes Plant of HFCL Limited at Madakasira, Sri Satya Sai District; and an array of projects for Drone City at Kurnool.
Various MoUs with the Government of Andhra Pradesh are also expected to be signed, a release added.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally some concrete steps towards Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence! The Drone City in Kurnool sounds promising too. Hope this creates jobs for local youth.
As someone from outside India, I'm impressed by these developments. India's defence manufacturing is really taking off. The AMCA program could be a game-changer for regional security.
Good initiative but I hope there's proper oversight on budget and timelines. Many defence projects get delayed or face cost overruns. Let's see how AMCA progresses.
Puttaparthi getting such major projects is wonderful! Sri Sathya Sai's vision of development continues. The Naval Systems Facility and ammunition plants will strengthen our coastal security too. 🇮🇳
Interesting move by India to decentralise defence manufacturing. Putting facilities in Andhra rather than just core industrial states shows strategic planning. The Drone City concept is particularly innovative.
This is what proper governance looks like - bringing defence manufacturing to states with potential. Chandrababu Naidu's vision for Andhra as a defence hub is materializing. Let's hope the MoUs are signed quickly!
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