Andhra Pradesh is set to emerge as a major hub for India’s indigenous fighter aircraft development programme, with the state government issuing orders to establish an Aircraft Integration and Flight Testing Complex at Puttaparthi in Sri Sathya Sai district. The facility is expected to play a central role in advancing India’s next-generation combat aviation capabilities under a strategic partnership with the Centre.

The upcoming complex will serve as the primary assembly and testing site for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a fifth-generation stealth fighter being developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The AMCA programme, recently cleared by the Union government, is intended to strengthen India’s long-term air combat capabilities with a multi-role, all-weather stealth platform.

Under the approved plan, the Andhra Pradesh government will allocate around 150 acres adjacent to the Puttaparthi runway for the core integration and flight testing facility. An additional 200 acres will be developed for a satellite office complex and residential township to support operational and technical personnel. The existing runway will also be extended to 10,000 feet, along with supporting infrastructure such as an air traffic control tower, navigation systems, and meteorological facilities.

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The project will be executed in coordination with the Ministries of Defence and Civil Aviation, along with the Indian Air Force, which will facilitate the creation of a dedicated Local Flying Zone for testing operations. Officials said the initiative has received in-principle approval from the Ministry of Defence following sustained discussions between the state and central authorities, aligning with the broader Atmanirbhar Bharat vision of strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing.

In parallel, the state government has authorised the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) to develop an aerospace and defence industrial ecosystem around the project site. Around 300 acres will be earmarked for private industry participation, with expected investment across avionics, propulsion systems, precision engineering, unmanned aerial platforms, advanced materials, and defence electronics. The development is also expected to create opportunities for MSMEs, research institutions, and skilling centres.

Officials said the Industries and Commerce Department has been empowered to sign Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with ADA, DRDO, and the Ministry of Defence to ensure smooth implementation. The integrated hub is expected to support not only the AMCA programme but also future indigenous aircraft projects, including unmanned aerial systems. With this initiative, Andhra Pradesh is positioning itself as a key contributor to India’s growing aerospace and defence manufacturing ecosystem.

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