DRDO Plans Aircraft Integration Complex in Puttaparthi

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) plan to establish an Aircraft Integration and Flight Testing Complex in Puttaparthi in Sri Sathya Sai district, Andhra Pradesh. The project has in-principle approval from the Ministry of Defence and is linked to the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme and other indigenous combat aircraft and unmanned aerial systems.

Aircraft Integration and Flight Testing Complex

An aircraft integration and flight testing complex is a specialised aviation facility used for assembly, systems integration, ground checks, and flight trials of aircraft. Such facilities usually include runways, hangars, air traffic control systems, navigational aids, and meteorological support infrastructure.

Project Features in Puttaparthi

The Andhra Pradesh government has proposed 350 acres for the project. This includes 150 acres adjoining the Puttaparthi runway and 200 acres for a satellite office complex and residential township. The state has also committed to extending the runway to 10,000 feet and developing an ATC tower, navigational aids, and weather support systems. The project is expected to involve an investment of about ₹1 lakh crore. It is linked to aircraft assembly, systems integration, and flight testing for the AMCA programme, which is planned to produce around 140 fifth-generation jets.

AMCA Programme

The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft is India’s planned fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft programme. The first prototype is targeted for completion between late 2026 and early 2027, and the first flight is expected by 2028. Puttaparthi was selected for its proximity to Bengaluru and its dedicated airspace. Dedicated airspace is used for flight testing because it reduces interference from commercial air traffic.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Aeronautical Development Agency functions under the Defence Research and Development Organisation.
• The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft is a fifth-generation fighter aircraft programme.
• Andhra Pradesh Aerospace & Defence Policy 4.0 is linked with aerospace and advanced manufacturing development.
• Runway length is planned to be extended to 10,000 feet at Puttaparthi.

Aircraft integration facilities are important in defence aviation because they combine assembly, testing, and certification-related activities in one location. The Puttaparthi complex is planned in Sri Sathya Sai district of Andhra Pradesh.