Proposal to Set Up Defence Manufacturing Units in Andhra Pradesh Submitted to Defence Minister
Naidu stressed in the letter, “These initiatives are aligned with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, and are aimed at strengthening India's strategic capabilities while driving industrial growth and employment in Andhra Pradesh.”
Vijayawada: In a move to position Andhra Pradesh as a leader in defence and aerospace manufacturing, some Telugu Desam MPs met defence minister Rajnath Singh on Friday.
They handed over a proposal from chief minister Chandrababu Naidu to set up some defence manufacturing units in the state.
The MPs' delegation was led by Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayulu. He, along with Magunta Srinivas Reddy, and Daggumalla Prasada Rao, sought the Centre’s support for a series of landmark initiatives.
The letter enclosed two communications from the CM, detailing a comprehensive defence development plan. The key proposals were the establishment of four defence and aerospace manufacturing hubs.
These are the Jaggaiahpet–Donakonda (6,000 acres) project for missile and ammunition production; the Lepakshi–Madakasira (10,000 acres) for aircraft and defence electronics; the Visakhapatnam–Anakapalli (3,000 acres) for Naval equipment & weapons testing and the Kurnool–Orvakal (4,000 acres) project for drones, robotics, and advanced components.
In the letter, the CM also sought the DRDO Industry-Academia Centre of Excellence at IIT Tirupati and a Common Ammunition Storage Policy via the defence ministry facilitation.
It also sought Rs 2,400 crore for a BEL strategic complex at Palasamudram, revival of UADNL’s 60,000 TPA aluminium alloy plant in Nellore, land/infrastructure for HAL’s LCA & LCH expansion, Air Force station at Donakonda near the missile, advanced medium combat aircraft programme in Lepakshi–Madakasira, UAV test ranges and a Naval SEZ and training facility at Visakhapatnam, supporting ENC and NAOB.
Under the proposal for creation of a statewide defence industry ecosystem, the chief minister sought coordination with NITI Aayog, industry experts and former DRDO chairman Satish Reddy to guide the creation of a comprehensive defence ecosystem in the state.
Naidu stressed in the letter, “These initiatives are aligned with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, and are aimed at strengthening India's strategic capabilities while driving industrial growth and employment in Andhra Pradesh.”
“We seek your kind consideration and approval for recognising the proposed defence hubs and supporting the outlined initiatives. This will enable AP to emerge as a key pillar in India's defence and aerospace manufacturing ecosystem, and significantly contribute to national security, indigenisation and self-reliance efforts.”