Overview
- The Andhra Pradesh government, which announced the plan Thursday, said the Defence Ministry has granted in-principle approval for a DRDO–ADA complex at Puttaparthi.
- The facility will handle aircraft assembly, systems integration, and flight testing for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft and other future combat and unmanned systems.
- The state will allocate 350 acres, including 150 acres next to the runway for the complex and 200 acres for a satellite office area and housing.
- Planned upgrades include extending the runway to 10,000 feet, adding an air traffic control tower, navigation aids, and weather support, with a local flying zone to be cleared in coordination with civil aviation and military authorities.
- To seed an industry cluster, the state authorized APIIC to develop land banks with 300 acres for private manufacturers, and it tasked the Industries & Commerce Department to sign MoUs and coordinate with DRDO, ADA, and the Defence Ministry.