Minister for IT Nara Lokesh on Friday described the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project in Puttaparthi as a transformative initiative that would turn Rayalaseema into a major defence and aerospace hub, capable of generating massive employment and creating industrial growth avenues.
Speaking at the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the AMCA project here, Mr. Lokesh briefly addressed the gathering in Hindi, drawing cheers from the audience.
Recalling the vision of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, he said many people had questioned the need for an airport in Puttaparthi when the former had proposed it, but the region was now emerging as a major defence and aerospace hub. Mr. Lokesh said the NDA government drew inspiration from Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s vision in bringing advanced defence projects to Puttaparthi.
Referring to Operation Sindoor, he said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had demonstrated the strength of India’s armed forces to the country’s enemies. “Every Indian is proud of the leadership at the Centre,” Mr. Lokesh said, calling Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh the country’s “Iron Man.”
He said the AMCA project was brought to Puttaparthi as a “return gift” to the people of the undivided Anantapur district for supporting the NDA both at the Centre and in the State.
