On 15 May 2026 the foundation stone for infrastructure for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft programme was laid at Puttaparthi in Sri Sathya Sai district of Andhra Pradesh. The project carries an estimated infrastructure investment of Rs 158.03 billion (Rs 158,030 mn) and will occupy about 650 acres. The event was presented as the formal commencement of construction for facilities intended to support design, prototype manufacture and testing for the indigenous fighter programme. The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft is India's first indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter programme and is being developed under the aegis of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA). The programme was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security in March 2024 and is linked to prototype development following formal clearances. The infrastructure is described as a key step in creating a domestic technological and manufacturing base for advanced combat aircraft. Authorities indicated that the new facility is expected to generate about 7,500 direct high-skilled jobs and to attract ancillary investment in defence, aerospace and electronics supply chains. The site will house laboratories, production hangars, avionics workshops and test ranges aimed at accelerating development timelines. Project planners positioned the campus as integral to sustaining long-term maintenance and upgrade pathways for the fleet that will emerge from the prototype phase. The inauguration also coincided with the launch of multiple defence, aerospace and drone manufacturing initiatives in the state and with the laying of a foundation for a Naval Systems Manufacturing Facility for Bharat Dynamics Limited at T Sirasapalli in Anakapalli district. An exhibition and technology showcase formed part of the programme, featuring scale models, mission simulations and avionics displays to demonstrate capability roadmaps. Officials framed the developments as strengthening national defence manufacturing resilience.