The facility is expected to support aircraft assembly, systems integration and flight testing activities for the AMCA programme and other future combat aviation platforms being developed in the country. Representational
In a major milestone for India’s indigenous defence and aerospace ambitions, the Government of Andhra Pradesh has formally extended full support and commitments for the establishment of an aircraft integration and flight testing complex by the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), at Puttaparthi in Sri Sathya Sai district.
It is expected to play a critical role in advancing the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and future indigenous combat aircraft and unmanned aerial systems programmes, according to an official release.
The project received in-principle approval from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) following a sustained engagement between the State and Central governments, and it is in alignment with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision and Andhra Pradesh’s Aerospace & Defence Policy 4.0, which is aimed at positioning the State as a leading aerospace and advanced manufacturing destination.
As part of the approved framework, the State government will facilitate the allocation of 150 acres adjoining the Puttaparthi runway and an 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, navigational aids and meteorological support systems, and approvals for creation of a dedicated local flying zone in coordination with the MoD, Ministry of Civil Aviation, and the the Indian Air Force.
The facility will support aircraft assembly, systems integration and flight testing activities for the AMCA programme and other future combat aviation platforms being developed in the country.
The integrated aerospace ecosystem planned around the AMCA testing hub is expected to attract investments across aircraft systems integration, avionics, precision engineering, propulsion systems, unmanned aerial platforms, advanced materials and defence electronics manufacturing.
Published – May 07, 2026 07:52 pm IST
