Agneyastra Energetics Limited has commenced construction of a strategic Rs 1,500 crore defence manufacturing facility in Andhra Pradesh, marking a significant step towards India's self-reliance in advanced energetics and ammunition.
The wholly-owned subsidiary of Kalyani Strategic Systems announced the groundbreaking on Friday (15 May) as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu laid the foundation stone at Puttaparthi.
Spread across more than 1,000 acres near Madakasira in Sri Sathya Sai district, the integrated campus will be developed over the next two to four years.
The facility is designed to include high explosives manufacturing, ammunition filling and gun propellant production facilities, with provisions for future expansion into energetics for rockets, missile systems, space launch vehicles and advanced defence applications.
The project is expected to generate approximately 800 direct jobs and 2,500 indirect employment opportunities, contributing to regional economic growth whilst reinforcing Andhra Pradesh's emergence as a preferred hub for aerospace and defence manufacturing.
Equipped with cutting-edge manufacturing and logistics technologies, the facility will significantly enhance India's indigenous capabilities in advanced energetics and ammunition.
Baba Kalyani, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Forge Limited, stated that India has a significant opportunity to emerge as a globally trusted source for advanced defence systems and critical materials.
The initiative aligns with the Government of India's Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision, driving import substitution, local value creation and technological self-reliance in strategically critical materials.
The foundation stone ceremony also saw the launch of several other major defence projects, including a Rs 16,000 crore combat aircraft infrastructure project for India's fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft programme, a Rs 480 crore naval systems manufacturing facility, and an ammunition and electric fuzes plant.
Rajnath Singh expressed confidence that the Agneyastra facility will produce weapons that will bolster India's preparedness for future battles, marking a historic chapter in the country's defence manufacturing journey.