Naidu requests Centre to set up defence projects in Andhra Pradesh-OxBig News Network

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu presenting a portrait of Lord Venkateswara to Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during a meeting, in New Delhi on Friday. | Photo Credit: ANI

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has said that Andhra Pradesh would be developed as a green energy hub in India. He discussed the energy and defence-related projects undertaken in the State with the Union Ministers in New Delhi on Friday.

Addressing the media in New Delhi after meeting several Union Ministers on Friday, Mr. Naidu said he congratulated Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on the success of Operation Sindoor. The Defence Minister briefed him on the strategic plan needed for the State to become a hub for defence manufacturing and aerospace innovation.

The State has requested cooperation from the Centre to study the favourable ecosystem in Andhra Pradesh for the development of integrated defence units, revival of key manufacturing units, domestic aviation programmes, testing, and training centres. With robust infrastructure, skilled workforce, and proactive policies, Andhra Pradesh is ready to play a key role in the Atmanirbhar Bharat Mission, he said.

“Andhra Pradesh has proposed to develop a missile and ammunition production centre in the Jaggayyapeta–Dolakonda cluster, where 6,000 acres of land are available. In the Lepakshi–Madakasira cluster, we have proposed a centre for military and civil aircraft and electronics manufacturing. We have also suggested to set up naval experimentation centres in the Visakhapatnam–Anakapalli cluster,” Mr. Naidu said.

In the Kurnool–Orvakal cluster, the Chief Minister said, a manufacturing facility for military drones, robotics, and advanced defence components has been proposed. “We have also requested a DRDO Centre of Excellence at IIT, Tirupati. Mr  Rajnath Singh has responded positively to these proposals. When we asked for a military cantonment in the State, he said the matter would be examined,” Mr. Naidu said.

Mr. Naidu said that he had submitted a comprehensive proposal to Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, seeking the Union government’s support to transform Andhra Pradesh into a pivotal hub for space manufacturing and innovation. The proposal outlines the development of two state-supported Space Cities—one near the ISRO SHAR spaceport and another near Lepakshi—to serve as integrated hubs for satellite production, launch vehicle development, and industry collaboration. 

“With a strategic location, industrial strength, and future-ready infrastructure, Andhra Pradesh is committed to advancing India’s space sector. We seek the Centre’s recognition and partnership in this transformative journey,” Mr. Naidu said.

Andhra Pradesh is poised to become a green energy hub, enabling 24×7 power supply through renewable sources. Under the PM KUSUM scheme, the Centre has approved the production of 2,000 MW of solar power, he added.