Puttaparthi Aircraft Complex is set to become a major defence aviation hub in India. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) are planning to build an Aircraft Integration and Flight Testing Complex in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh. The project has received in-principle approval from the Ministry of Defence and is linked to India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme.

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What is the Puttaparthi Aircraft Complex?

The Puttaparthi Aircraft Complex will be a specialised aviation facility used for aircraft assembly, systems integration, ground testing, and flight trials. Such complexes are very important in defence aviation because they allow aircraft testing and certification work in one place.

The facility will include advanced infrastructure like runways, hangars, air traffic control systems, navigational aids, and weather monitoring support.

Major Features of the Project

The Andhra Pradesh government has proposed around 350 acres of land for the project. Out of this, 150 acres will be located near the Puttaparthi runway, while another 200 acres will be used for a satellite office complex and residential township.

The state government also plans to extend the runway to 10,000 feet. Other developments include an Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower, navigation systems, and weather support facilities.

The total investment in the project is expected to be nearly ₹1 lakh crore.

Link with India’s AMCA Fighter Jet Programme

The Puttaparthi Aircraft Complex is closely connected with India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft programme. AMCA is India’s planned fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft project.

India aims to produce nearly 140 AMCA fighter jets in the future. The first prototype is expected between late 2026 and early 2027, while the first flight may take place by 2028.

The new facility will help in aircraft assembly, system integration, and flight testing activities related to the programme.

Why Puttaparthi Was Selected

Puttaparthi was chosen mainly because of its location near Bengaluru, which is India’s major aerospace and defence manufacturing centre.

Another important reason is the availability of dedicated airspace. Dedicated airspace helps reduce interference from commercial flights during aircraft testing operations.

This will allow safer and smoother flight trials for advanced fighter aircraft and unmanned aerial systems.

Role of DRDO and ADA

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is India’s leading defence research agency. The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) works under DRDO and is responsible for developing advanced combat aircraft projects.

The project also supports the Andhra Pradesh Aerospace & Defence Policy 4.0, which focuses on aerospace manufacturing and advanced technology development in the state.