A.P. aims to become a hub of defence manufacturing, says Lokesh

Andhra Pradesh government is working to develop the State as a leading centre in the fields of defence manufacturing and marine technology in the country, IT & Electronics Minister Nara Lokesh said at the foundation stone-laying ceremony of Sagar Defence Engineering’s unit at Juvvaladinne village in SPSR Nellore district on Thursday.

The Pune-based unmanned marine surface vehicle manufacturer is establishing the world’s first autonomous maritime shipyard and systems centre in 29.58 acres near Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour, with an initial investment of ₹45 crore. This project is likely to provide direct and indirect employment opportunities to more than a thousand youth.

“The project will strengthen India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capacity and will play a key role in the manufacturing of cutting-edge technological equipment required for the country’s defence sector,” Mr. Lokesh said.

Through this ambitious project, autonomous maritime systems, unmanned surface vessels and modern marine technologies will be developed. It will not only take India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capability to the world level, but also pave the way for innovative innovations in maritime technology, he said.

“Apart from strengthening coastal security and surveillance, this centre will boost the development of the fisheries sector and industrial skills,” he said.

Speaking about Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour, he said the project will change the living conditions of the local fishermen. “Around 25,000 fishing families will get employment in this harbour, which is being established with a storage capacity of 41,000 tonnes of fish and accommodate 1,250 mechanised boats,” he said.