Andhra Pradesh Gears Up for AMCA Flight Testing Centre Launch in Puttaparthi

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh’s Puttaparthi town in Sri Sathya Sai district is preparing to host the groundbreaking ceremony of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) flight testing centre on Friday.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu are expected to attend the programme, which will also see the launch of several defence, aerospace and drone manufacturing projects across the state.

One of the main attractions of the event will be a special AMCA technology exhibition showcasing India’s progress in next-generation defence aviation.

The AMCA is India’s indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter jet project being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) along with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA). The programme is considered one of the country’s most ambitious aerospace initiatives.

According to the Andhra Pradesh government, the event marks a significant step in the state’s efforts to emerge as a major hub for defence production, aerospace innovation and unmanned systems manufacturing. It also supports the Centre’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission aimed at boosting indigenous defence technology.

The exhibition will include scale models, mission simulations, avionics displays and interactive defence technology exhibits.

Apart from the AMCA project, several major defence manufacturing investments related to missiles, ammunition, energetics, defence propellants and advanced systems are also expected to take shape in the state. These projects, involving investments worth thousands of crores, are likely to create large-scale employment opportunities.

The state government will also highlight Andhra Pradesh’s growing “Drone City” ecosystem, featuring companies involved in AI-powered drones, UAV production, robotics, surveillance systems, aerospace components and drone research.

Officials say Andhra Pradesh has been actively promoting itself as a preferred destination for high-tech manufacturing by leveraging its industrial infrastructure, ports, skilled workforce and investor-friendly policies. The upcoming event is expected to further strengthen the state’s position in India’s expanding defence and aerospace sector.

With inputs from IANS