In a major boost to India’s indigenous defence and aerospace ambitions, the Andhra Pradesh government has extended full support for setting up a world-class Aircraft Integration & Flight Testing Complex at Puttaparthi in the Sri Sathya Sai district.
The proposed facility, to be developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is expected to become a key centre for aircraft assembly, systems integration, and flight testing for India’s next-generation combat aircraft and unmanned aerial systems programmes.
The project has reportedly received in-principle approval from the Ministry of Defence following sustained discussions between the Andhra Pradesh government and the Centre. The initiative is aligned with the union government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision and Andhra Pradesh’s Defence & Aerospace Policy 4.0, which aims to position the state as a leading destination for aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries.
As part of the approved framework, the Andhra Pradesh government will facilitate:
• Allocation of 150 acres adjoining the Puttaparthi runway for the Aircraft Integration & Flight Testing Complex.
• Allocation of an additional 200 acres for a satellite office complex and residential township.
• Extension of the runway length to 10,000 feet.
• Development of critical aviation infrastructure, including ATC tower, navigation aids and meteorological support systems.
• Facilitation of approvals for creation of a dedicated Local Flying Zone in coordination with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Defence and the Indian Air Force.
Aerospace Manufacturing Ecosystem Planned
In another major boost to the aerospace ecosystem, the government has authorised Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) to initiate the development of industrial land banks in the surrounding region, including 300 acres earmarked for private industry partners to establish aerospace and defence manufacturing facilities.