The Naval Systems Manufacturing Facility, a ₹480-crore project of the Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) in Anakapalli district of Andhra Pradesh, will significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s capabilities and prove to be a game-changer for the nation’s Blue Economy and maritime security, says Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Mr. Rajnath Singh was speaking after laying the stone for this and other defence projects virtually from Puttaparthi on Friday.

The facility coming up at T. Sirasapalli village of Munagapaka mandal would focus on autonomous underwater vehicles, underwater counter-measure systems, and next-generation torpedoes, besides manufacturing several critical components and sub-systems that the nation had been importing now, the Union Minister said.

District Collector Vijaya Krishnan, MLA Sundarapu Vijay Kumar, officials from the DRDO and NSTL, scientists, and a large number of residents attended the programme arranged locally.

Later, Mr. Vijaya Krishnan described the project as another milestone in the development journey of Anakapalli district and said the facility would play a crucial role in strengthening India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities while also generating large-scale employment opportunities.

The Collector thanked the farmers and villagers of T. Sirasapalli for providing land for the project and assured that eligible local residents would be provided employment opportunities in the unit. She noted that the project would create nearly 500 direct and around 2,000 indirect employment opportunities. Additionally, another 2,500 people were expected to benefit through the ancillary industries and MSMEs that would develop in the project’s viscinity.

“The project will accelerate industrialisation, improve infrastructure, strengthen the local economy and position the region as an important hub in India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem,” she said.

Mr. Vijay Kumar said that reputed institutions such as the DRDO, NSTL and BARC were already functioning in the region, and the addition of BDL would further elevate the district’s importance.

Madugula MLA Bandaru Satyanarayana Murthy said such institutions were essential for the State’s growth. Urban Finance and Infrastructure Corporation Chairman Peela Govinda Satyanarayana said the unit would be a zero-pollution industry.