Tejas Takes Flight: Centre Looks at Andhra Pradesh for Next-Generation Fighter Jet Expansion

Image Source: The Economic Times

In a significant boost to Andhra Pradesh's industrial proposals, the Centre signaled that it is ready to upscale the manufacture of India's lead Tejas fighter aircraft in the state. The news followed a high-level meeting between Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, where Naidu showcased a sequence of defence-related investments as part of his vision of a large defence industrial corridor.

Currently, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) produces Tejas aircraft at two facilities in Bengaluru and one in Nashik. These production lines meet the existing requirements, and Naidu's offer is with a vision to establishing Andhra Pradesh as a strategic hub for future development by leveraging its robust infrastructure and large pieces of land. Sources indicate that while no decision has been made by the Centre, it is "open to considering" Andhra's proposal if the need for increased production of Tejas is felt.

The Centre has already shown keen interest in proposals related to it, like new investment in Bharat Electronics Limited's Defence Systems Integration Complex in Anantapur. Once executed, these projects have the potential to make Andhra Pradesh a defence manufacturing hub at the national level, propelling jobs, investment, and indigenous technological growth.

Source: The Economic Times