The Aeronautical Development Agency, under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is set to establish a world-class aircraft integration and flight testing complex at Puttaparthi in Sri Sathya Sai district, Andhra Pradesh.
The strategic facility is expected to play a critical role in advancing India’s ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Programme and future indigenous combat aircraft and unmanned aerial systems programmes.
“The project has received in-principle approval from the Ministry of Defence following sustained engagement between the Government of Andhra Pradesh and the Government of India,’’ a State government release said on Thursday.
Atmanirbhar Bharat
The initiative aligns with the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Andhra Pradesh’s Defence & Aerospace Policy 4.0 aimed at positioning the State as a leading aerospace and advanced manufacturing destination.
As part of the approved framework, the Andhra Pradesh government will allocate 150 acres adjoining the Puttaparthi runway for the Aircraft Integration & Flight Testing Complex along with an additional 200 acres for a satellite office complex and residential township.
It would also facilitate extension of the runway length to 10,000 feet and development of critical aviation infrastructure including ATC tower, navigation aids and meteorological support systems.
The State government will coordinate with the Centre for approvals for creation of a dedicated local flying zone in coordination with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Defence and the Indian Air Force.
Part of the package
The proposed 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.
To boost the aerospace ecosystem, the government authorised Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) to immediately initiate development of industrial land banks in the surrounding region, including 300 acres earmarked for private industry partners to establish aerospace and defence manufacturing facilities.
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.
The project is also expected to generate significant opportunities for MSMEs, suppliers, skilling institutions and research partnerships in the region.
Published on May 7, 2026