Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu proposes 4 defence manufacturing hubs, DRDO centre & HAL expansion in meeting with Defence Minister.
Naidu Govt Seeks Centre’s Support to Transform AP into Defence Manufacturing Powerhouse
Andhra Pradesh’s Mega Defence Push
New Delhi/Vijayawada: In a major push for defence indigenization, a TDP delegation met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday and submitted Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s proposal to establish four defence manufacturing hubs across Andhra Pradesh.
The plan, aligned with ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, aims to position AP as a strategic defence production hub, generating thousands of jobs and boosting India’s self-reliance in critical military technologies.
Key Proposals: 4 Defence & Aerospace Hubs
1. Jaggaiahpet-Donakonda Hub (6,000 acres)
🔹 Focus: Missile & ammunition production
🔹 Additional Plan: Air Force Station near UAV test ranges
2. Lepakshi-Madakasira Hub (10,000 acres)
🔹 Focus: Aircraft, defence electronics
🔹 AMCA Programme: MRO & assembly for advanced fighters
3. Visakhapatnam-Anakapalli Hub (3,000 acres)
🔹 Focus: Naval equipment & weapons testing
🔹 Naval SEZ: Training facility in Vizag
4. Kurnool-Orvakal Hub (4,000 acres)
🔹 Focus: Drones, robotics & advanced components
Other Major Defence Proposals
✔ DRDO Industry-Academia Centre of Excellence at IIT Tirupati
✔ BEL Strategic Complex (₹2,400 crore investment in Palasamudram)
✔ Revival of UADNL’s 60,000 TPA aluminium alloy plant (Nellore)
✔ Land for HAL’s LCA & LCH expansion
✔ Common Ammunition Storage Policy push via MoD
Why This Matters?
1. Strengthening ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’
- Reduces import dependency in missiles, drones, naval systems
- Boosts private sector participation in defence
2. Economic & Employment Boost
- Thousands of high-tech jobs in aerospace & defence
- MSME growth through ancillary industries
3. Strategic Advantages
- Proximity to Eastern Naval Command (Vizag)
- Testing ranges & SEZs for R&D
Next Steps: Centre’s Approval & Investments
The Defence Ministry will review the proposals, with potential collaborations involving:
🔹 DRDO (R&D tie-ups)
🔹 HAL, BEL (manufacturing expansion)
🔹 Private players (Lockheed Martin, Tata, L&T likely interested)
Conclusion:
If approved, AP’s defence hubs could revolutionize India’s military manufacturing landscape, making the state a key player in missiles, drones, and naval tech. With Naidu’s push and Centre’s backing, this plan could fast-track India’s self-reliance in defence.
