Rajnath Singh calls for indigenous defence manufacturing projects for national security

State IT minister Nara Lokesh lauded Prime Minister Modi for a strong response to Pakistan, called Rajnath Singh an 'iron man' and one of the key drivers behind Operation Sindoor, and described Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai as part of a new defence hub.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu urged industrialists to invest in Andhra Pradesh, promoting the region as a future military-industrial hub by leveraging its proximity to Bengaluru and offering state support for industries and investors; he framed the project within Operation Sindoor and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The AMCA project would showcase India’s defence capabilities and is expected to pave the way for a dedicated township, generating about 7,500 employment opportunities.

Singh highlighted progress in defence manufacturing, noting production has risen to over ₹1.54 lakh crore with exports around ₹40,000 crore, up from earlier figures of ₹46,000 crore production and ₹600 crore exports.

Foundation stones were laid for four defence companies under the strategic defence project and for eight companies in the proposed drone city at Kurnool.

Singh stated that Andhra Pradesh would manufacture weapons and technologies required for the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force, contributing to complete self-reliance in defence.

HFCL would establish a facility with an investment of ₹1,294 crore to manufacture electrical fuses.

Agneyastra, a subsidiary of Bharat Forge, would invest ₹1,500 crore to manufacture advanced weapon systems for future warfare requirements.

Bharat Dynamics Limited would invest ₹480 crore to manufacture advanced autonomous underwater systems and torpedoes, enabling indigenised production of several systems previously imported and bolstering coastal security and blue economy initiatives.

Eight drone companies are jointly developing a Drone City in Kurnool to strengthen the Make in India initiative; drones are highlighted as game changers in modern warfare with applications beyond defence.

The facility in Puttaparthi will be a Core Integration, Development and Flight-Testing Complex for India’s flagship indigenous fifth-generation fighter aircraft programme, described as a national hub for aircraft integration, validation, flight testing and certification.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh called for self-reliance in defence manufacturing, stating that India cannot depend on other countries for national security and announcing a facility to be established by the Aeronautical Development Agency under DRDO for the AMCA programme in Andhra Pradesh.