India launches ₹15,803 crore Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) infrastructure project in Andhra Pradesh

Key facts

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu laid the foundation stone for the ₹15,803-crore Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) infrastructure project in the Sri Sathya Sai district of Andhra Pradesh.
• The AMCA programme is being developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to build India's indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft.
• The project is spread across nearly 650 acres in Puttaparthi and will include an aircraft integration and advanced flight-testing centre, with an expected generation of around 7,500 jobs.
• A dedicated drone city project was also initiated in Kurnool, where eight drone companies are expected to establish operations.
• The initiative is aligned with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision to strengthen domestic defence capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.