Andhra Pradesh Approves 350‑Acre AMCA Flight‑Testing Complex at Puttaparthi

The Government of Andhra Pradesh has allocated a total of 350 acres for a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)–Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) flight‑testing and integration complex at Puttaparthi, Sri Sathya Sai district. An additional 300 acres are earmarked for a surrounding aerospace manufacturing ecosystem, with land development to be overseen by the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC).

The state will provide 150 acres adjoining the runway for the testing hub, 200 acres for a satellite office and residential township, and extend the runway to 10,000 feet. Critical aviation infrastructure—including an air‑traffic‑control tower, navigation aids and meteorological systems—will also be built, and a dedicated local flying zone will be created in coordination with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Ministry of Defence and the Indian Air Force.

The facility is intended to support the AMCA programme and future indigenous combat aircraft and unmanned aerial systems, attracting investment in avionics, propulsion, precision engineering and defence electronics, while generating opportunities for MSMEs, suppliers and research institutions. The project aligns with India's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and Andhra Pradesh’s Defence & Aerospace Policy 4.0, positioning the state as a emerging hub for aerospace and advanced manufacturing.