The Andhra Pradesh government had cleared the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project in just 36 days, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said, highlighting it as an example of the “speed of doing business” being implemented in Andhra Pradesh.

Union Minister for Defence Rajnath Singh, along with Mr. Naidu laid the foundation stone for the AMCA project at Puttaparthi on Friday.

Addressing a gathering, the Chief Minister observed that the AMCA Integration and Flight Testing project would transform the Rayalaseema region into a vibrant aerospace and defence centre, while strengthening India’s self-reliance in the strategic sector.

Thanking the Union Defence Ministry and the Union government for extending support for the project, the Chief Minister said that the initiative would attract an investment of above ₹15,000 crore and generate employment for around 7,500 people.

Mr. Naidu highlighted that Puttaparthi would emerge as a key centre for fighter jet integration and flight testing, adding that the project would help India manufacture advanced stealth fighter aircraft under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” mission.

Referring to Operation Sindoor, the Chief Minister said drones used during the strikes were manufactured and tested in Andhra Pradesh. “Drones are becoming increasingly important not only in warfare but also in agriculture and several industrial sectors. The State government has already initiated plans to establish a Drone City at Orvakal in Kurnool district,” he said.

Mr. Naidu outlined a broader industrial roadmap for Rayalaseema, stating that the region would be developed as a hub for defence, aerospace, electronics, and renewable energy projects.

“The Kadapa Steel Plant work would be launched in June and completed by December 2027. Similarly, the Kopparthy Industrial Node would be developed into an electronics manufacturing hub,” he said.

Gold mining to begin in Kurnool

Mr. Naidu said Andhra Pradesh would soon emerge as a major gold production centre, with mining activity set to begin at Jonnagiri Gold Fields in Kurnool district. He said 600 kg of gold would be produced initially, which would go up to 1,500 kg in the second year.

Highlighting the flow of investments, Mr. Naidu said that the State had secured proposals worth ₹23 lakh crore over the past 23 months, projecting a clear employment potential for 24 lakh people.

He highlighted that projects involving Google and ArcelorMittal had already been on track, while investments from Reliance Industries and Bharat Petroleum were expected.