Andhra Pradesh Aims for the Stars: Twin Space Hubs and a Booming Defense Corridor

Andhra Pradesh (AP) is charting an ambitious course to become a major player in India's space and defense sectors. Under the leadership of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, the state is pursuing a dual strategy: establishing two dedicated space hubs and developing a comprehensive defense industrial corridor. This initiative aims to capitalize on India's growing space ambitions and the burgeoning aerospace and defense market.

Naidu's S-Powerhouse Vision

Naidu's vision, presented to Union Minister Jitendra Singh, involves creating two Space Cities. Firstly, near Sriharikota, home to India's only operational spaceport, would concentrate the hub to support the manufacturing of launch vehicle components and critical propellant logistics. The second hub would be in Lepakshi, Anantapur district, strategically linking with Bengaluru's space ecosystem to promote industry-academia partnerships and R&D.

Building on Existing Strengths

Andhra Pradesh already has a head start. Several industries in Sri City, a strategically important SEZ near Sriharikota, are already contributing to ISRO's missions. These include companies like VRV Asia Pacific, Danieli India, and THK India. Furthermore, Andhra Sugars' propellant unit in Tanuku supplies critical materials to ISRO.

According to a retired engineer of Shar, building launch vehicle stages and support service industries near the spaceport could drastically improve efficiency which leads to the reduction of costs, and creation of thousands of jobs.

A Comprehensive Defense Corridor Proposal

Chandrababu Naidu has also proposed establishing a sprawling defense industrial corridor, potentially India's third, stretching across 23,000 acres. This corridor would comprise five strategic hubs. Relocating the production facilities of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's (HAL) Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) is also the proposal from Karnataka to Andhra Pradesh.

While HAL already has production lines in Bengaluru and Nashik, Andhra Pradesh offers expanded land resources and policy incentives. Naidu met with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to discuss this proposal.

Key Hubs within the Defense Corridor

• Lepakshi-Madakasira: Envisioned as the primary center for AMCA production.
• Visakhapatnam-Anakapalli: Proposed as a site for Naval Equipment and Weapons Testing, with a marine and underwater SEZ.
• Jaggiahpet-Donakonda: A potential IAF Station at Donakonda, incorporating an operational air base, logistics facilities, and an R&D complex.
• Kurnool-Orvakal: Designated for the production of military drones, robotics, and sophisticated defense components.
• Tirupati: Aimed at defense innovation research and development activities.

Looking Ahead

With a projected aerospace and defence budget of $100 billion over the next decade, a comprehensive space policy is key to unlocking AP’s space potential. The state has appointed S. Somanath, former ISRO chairman, as its honorary adviser on Space technology. His leadership is expected to align the state’s strategy with global trends and national objectives. The state's initiatives could significantly boost India's space and defense capabilities, attract investment, and generate employment.

What are your thoughts on Andhra Pradesh's ambitious plans? Share your insights and opinions in the comments below. Are these realistic goal?

• Andhra Pradesh
• HAL
• ISRO