TDP MPs meet Rajnath Singh, submit proposals for 4 defence-aerospace manufacturing hubs in AP

Hyderabad: In a move to position Andhra Pradesh as a national leader in defence and aerospace manufacturing, senior TDP MPs on Friday met Union Defence minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi and handed over a proposal from chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu to set up defence manufacturing units in Andhra Pradesh.

TDP MPs’ delegation led by MP Lavu Krishna Devarayulu, along with MP Magunta Srinivas Reddy and MP Daggumalla Prasada Rao, jointly visited the defence minister, urging support for a series of landmark initiatives aimed at transforming the state into a strategic defence production hub.

The letter, submitted during the meeting, enclosed two communications from the chief minister detailing a comprehensive defence development plan. These were the key proposals presented:

1. Establishment of four defence and aerospace manufacturing hubs

Jaggaiahpet–Donakonda (6,000 acres): Missile and ammunition production

Lepakshi–Madakasira (10,000 acres): Aircraft and defence electronics

Visakhapatnam–Anakapalli (3,000 acres): Naval equipment & weapons testing

Kurnool–Orvakal (4,000 acres): Drones, robotics, and advanced components

Also included are:

DRDO Industry-Academia Centre of Excellence at IIT Tirupati

Request for a Common Ammunition Storage Policy via Ministry of Defence facilitation

2. Support for Defence Investments and Strategic Projects

Rs 2,400 crore 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

AMCA Program: Lepakshi–Madakasira proposed for MRO & assembly

Air Force Station at Donakonda near missile and UAV test ranges

Naval SEZ and Training Facility at Visakhapatnam, supporting ENC and NAOB

3. Creation of a Statewide Defence Industry Ecosystem

The proposal also calls for coordination with NITI Aayog, industry experts, and former DRDO Chairman Mr. Satish Reddy to guide the creation of a comprehensive defence ecosystem in the state.

The letter emphasises, “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.”

It further states, “We seek your kind consideration and approval for recognising the proposed defence hubs and supporting the outlined initiatives. This will enable Andhra Pradesh 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.”