In a significant milestone for Puttaparthi, the foundation stone for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project was laid on Friday (May 15, 2026). The key defence manufacturing initiative is valued at ₹15,803 crore.

Coming up over nearly 650 acres, the project is expected to generate around 7,500 jobs and also include a dedicated township, giving a strong industrial push to the region.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who took part in the “bhumi puja” for the project alongside Union Minister for Defence Rajnath Singh, said the project is a testimony to Andhra Pradesh’s “speed and ease of doing business” and its ability to attract large-scale strategic investments.

He highlighted that the AMCA initiative would strengthen India’s indigenous defence capabilities by enabling the development of advanced combat aircraft using homegrown technology.

Referring to the “Operation Sindoor” as a symbol of India’s growing strength in defence and technology under the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, Mr. Naidu said that such initiatives showed how self-reliance is steadily moving from policy to practice.

Minister for IT and HRD Nara Lokesh said that Puttaparthi is emerging as a vital hub in India’s defence landscape.

He welcomed Mr. Rajnath Singh to the “sacred land of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai,” saying the project marks a turning point for the Sri Sathya Sai district.

Mr. Lokesh said that the AMCA project signalled a unique phase of defence-led growth for the region and would place it strongly within India’s expanding aerospace and security ecosystem. He also described Rajnath Singh as “Iron Man” and one of the strongest pillars behind Operation Sindoor.