AP moves towards Rs 1L crore DRDO project

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

In a major boost to its industrial ambitions, Andhra Pradesh is fast emerging as a serious contender in India’s high-value aerospace and defense manufacturing landscape. Within a year of unveiling its flagship industrial policy, the state has moved closer to attracting investments worth nearly Rs 1 lakh crore, anchored by a landmark proposal from the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO).

The State Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on April 30, approved the allocation of 350 acres of land at Puttaparthi in Sri Sathya Sai district for a defense manufacturing facility. The project is expected to serve as the nucleus of a large-scale aerospace and defense ecosystem, positioning the region as a strategic hub for advanced manufacturing and research. 

Sources indicate that the DRDO’s overall investment in Andhra Pradesh’s aerospace and defense sector could scale up to nearly Rs 1 lakh crore, making it one of the most significant industrial investments in the country. The Chief Minister is expected to unveil detailed project plans later this month, even as the government maintains tight confidentiality due to competition from other states vying for similar investments.

The initiative aligns with the Andhra Pradesh Aerospace and Defense Policy 4.0, which aims to transform the state into a global hub for defense research, development, and manufacturing. The policy targets Rs 1 lakh crore in investments and the creation of one lakh jobs, while promoting MSME participation through a hub-and-spoke model. Officials say the project will focus on cutting-edge sectors such as missile systems, aircraft manufacturing, naval platforms, drones, and robotics. 

With its strategic location near Bengaluru’s aerospace ecosystem and strong policy backing, Puttaparthi is poised to become a key node in India’s defense corridor. If realized at scale, the project could redefine Andhra Pradesh’s industrial profile, accelerating its transition into a high-technology manufacturing powerhouse while strengthening India’s push for self-reliance in defense production.