TDP MPs Propose Defence Hubs Across Andhra Pradesh

29 Jul 2025 CW Team

TDP Members of Parliament met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on Friday to submit a proposal from Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for the establishment of multiple defence manufacturing units across the state.

The delegation—comprising Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayulu, Magunta Srinivas Reddy, and Daggumalla Prasada Rao—presented an ambitious vision to transform Andhra Pradesh into a strategic defence and aerospace production hub under the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.

The letter included two communications dated 19 May from the Chief Minister outlining a comprehensive defence development roadmap. Four major defence and aerospace hubs were proposed:

Jaggaiahpet–Donakonda hub (6,000 acres): Missile and ammunition manufacturing
Lepakshi–Madakasira hub (10,000 acres): Aircraft and defence electronics
Visakhapatnam–Anakapalli hub (3,000 acres): Naval equipment and weapons testing
Kurnool–Orvakal hub (4,000 acres): Drones, robotics, and advanced components

Additional proposals included establishing a DRDO Industry-Academia Centre of Excellence at IIT Tirupati, a Common Ammunition Storage Policy, and Ministry of Defence support for strategic investment and industrial partnerships.

The MPs also requested support for other landmark initiatives such as:

A Rs 24 billion BEL Strategic Complex at Palasamudram
Reviving UADNL’s 60,000 TPA aluminium alloy plant in Nellore
Allotting land and infrastructure for HAL’s LCA and LCH expansion
Supporting the AMCA programme at Lepakshi–Madakasira for MRO and assembly

Proposals were submitted to establish an Air Force Station at Donakonda near missile and UAV ranges and a Naval SEZ and Training Centre in Visakhapatnam.

“These proposals align with the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, enhancing India’s strategic capabilities while creating large-scale industrial growth and employment opportunities in Andhra Pradesh,” the letter concluded.

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