Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu has presented a grand proposal to the Union Government aimed at turning the state into a national hub for defence and aerospace manufacturing. The other day, TDP MPs met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Delhi and submitted a formal request for setting up four major defence clusters across the state.
According to the proposal, the first cluster is planned in Jaggaiahpet and Donakonda. This area will focus on missile production and related systems. It will include manufacturing units, testing facilities, an IAF base, training centers and defence logistics.
The second cluster is planned at Lepakshi and Madakasira. This location is proposed as a dedicated aerospace city. It will host aircraft assembly, defence electronics, and facilities for projects like AMCA and LCA. The Andhra Pradesh government also urged the Centre to expand HAL operations in this region but clarified that they are asking for new investments and not shifting existing units from Karnataka.
The third cluster is being planned between Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli. This region will be developed into a naval hub with a focus on weapon systems, training facilities and testing infrastructure. The idea is to support the operations of the Eastern Naval Command based in Vizag.
The fourth proposed cluster is in Kurnool and Orvakal. This region will be focused on drones, robotics and advanced defence technologies. It is expected to create a large number of jobs and attract high-tech industries to Rayalaseema.
In addition to the four hubs, Chandrababu Naidu also put forward several other proposals. These include setting up a BEL strategic complex worth 2400 crore at Palasamudram, expansion of HAL units, revival of the UADNL aluminium alloy plant in Nellore and a DRDO research center at IIT Tirupati. The government also proposed a common ammunition storage facility under the Ministry of Defence.
All these proposals are part of the new Aerospace and Defence Policy 4.0 rolled out by the AP government. The state aims to attract one lakh crore worth of investment by 2030 and create over one lakh jobs in the defence sector. The policy also offers attractive subsidies and incentives for companies willing to invest in Andhra Pradesh.
Chandrababu Naidu is clearly taking an aggressive step towards placing Andhra Pradesh at the center of India’s defence production map. The outcome of this proposal now depends on the response from the central government in the coming weeks.
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