Andhra Pradesh is making a strong push to establish itself as a leading hub for aviation and defence manufacturing, stated the Industries Secretary Dr. N. Yuvraj at a recent conference in Vijayawada.
The state government unveiled its plans for the Defence and Missile Policy 4.0 (2025-2029), emphasizing a strategic focus on national security amidst global uncertainties and the significant budgetary support from the central government for the defence sector.
The aim as per the government is to attract substantial investments in this space, generate employment through skill development, and position Andhra Pradesh as a key player in the Indian aerospace and defence arena.
Dr Yuvraj underscored the importance of collaboration with the private sector in defence equipment manufacturing, highlighting the central government’s emphasis on local production since 2019, which has resulted in a current annual output of Rs 1.27 lakh crore and exports to 85 nations.
The secretary also stressed the need for increased joint research and development efforts.
The state government is offering land and incentives for the development of industrial parks, having already identified over 30 clusters, complemented by three central government-announced industrial corridors.
The Aerospace and Defence Policy 4.0 prioritizes aircraft and missiles, weapons, naval and naval building, and defence electronics, with an ambitious target of attracting Rs 20,000 crore in investments and creating 50,000 jobs under Chief Minister Mr N. Chandrababu Naidu’s Swarnandhra 2047 vision.
Dr. G Satheesh Reddy, Advisor to the Ministry of Defence, commended the increased defence budget and expressed optimism about Andhra Pradesh becoming a leader in defence and missile equipment manufacturing, following the examples of Rajasthan, Assam, and Gujarat.
He advocated for a comprehensive policy with tailored incentives for the defence industry. Dr. S.P. Somnath, Advisor on Space Technology, highlighted the considerable opportunities in the astronomy sector and the current lack of start-ups to meet technological demands, suggesting supportive government policies to bridge this gap.
He also noted that the new launch pad at Sriharikota would further enhance the state’s goal of launching 50 satellites in the next five years.
Major General Ajay Mishra emphasized the armed forces’ focus on localized manufacturing, stating that allocating 60% of the budget to domestic manufacturers, with a target of 85% localization by 2032, will boost demand.
Vijayawada MP Mr Kesineni Sivanath (Chinni) lauded the meeting as the beginning of a significant transformation, stressing the necessity of private sector collaboration to realize Chief Minister Naidu’s Swarnandhra 2047 vision.
APIIC Chairman Mr Mantena Ramaraju assured the attendees of the government’s commitment to promptly address business-related issues, recognizing the crucial role of private partners in the state’s economic progress.
The conference also provided a platform for business owners and public institution representatives to voice their suggestions and concerns to the authorities.
Officials from the Industries and Commerce Department and various business leaders were present at the meeting.
