Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu on Friday said the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project in Puttaparthi marked a historic moment for the Rayalaseema region, reflecting Andhra Pradesh’s growing prominence in defence and aerospace sectors.

Speaking at the foundation stone-laying ceremony here, he highlighted that Puttaparthi, known primarily for the spiritual legacy of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, was now emerging as a hub for advanced fighter aircraft and drone-related projects.

He said Sri Sathya Sai Baba had made Puttaparthi a global centre for peace through Prasanthi Nilayam and added that the AMCA project symbolised a new dimension of national security and technological advancement.

Mr. Rammohan Naidu also referred to the State’s growing drone ecosystem, saying that the country’s first Drone Testing Sandbox Facility was being developed at Kurnool airport. He said the State government had also planned a dedicated Drone City in Orvakal.

The Union Minister said it was due to the vision of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu that the State was attracting strategic investments, transforming Andhra Pradesh into a preferred destination for technology and defence industries.