In a historic move for India’s defense sector, the foundation stone for the country’s first 5th Generation Stealth Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft project—the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA)—is set to be laid in Puttaparthi, Sri Sathya Sai district. This prestigious project, a joint venture between the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and DRDO, will be inaugurated on Friday by Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu. This marks a monumental shift for Rayalaseema, transitioning from the “Land of Gems” to a strategic “Defense Hub” of India.
The project is estimated to be built with a massive investment of ₹15,803 crore across 650 acres. India, which currently does not possess a home-grown stealth fighter, will join the elite ranks of the US, Russia, and China once this project is operational. The AMCA will feature advanced stealth technology to evade enemy radars, twin-engine super-cruise capabilities, and cutting-edge sensors. Uniquely, the project includes not just manufacturing but also a comprehensive testing facility within the same premises in Puttaparthi, making it a self-reliant defense ecosystem.
Beyond the main AMCA project, the ceremony will also see the foundation of 12 other key defense and drone projects, including four defense units (Kalyani Strategic Systems, Bharat Dynamics Ltd, etc.) and eight drone startups in the Kurnool Drone City. Together, these are expected to bring in over ₹4,145 crore in immediate investments and provide direct employment to more than 13,500 people. With potential ancillary industries expected to attract an additional ₹1 lakh crore, the Andhra Pradesh government is positioning the region as a global center for aerospace and defense technology.
