Karnataka’s Minister for Large and Medium Industries, MB Patil, has strongly objected to reports that Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu allegedly has proposed relocating Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) production units from Bengaluru to Andhra Pradesh.
According to media reports, Naidu has offered 10,000 acres of land in the Lepakshi-Madakasira region of Anantapur district, approximately an hour from Bengaluru airport, as a potential site for HAL’s manufacturing facilities. The proposal is said to be part of Naidu’s broader plan to develop a major defence industrial corridor in Andhra Pradesh, aiming to enhance the state’s contribution to India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.
Reacting to the reports, MB Patil said, “HAL’s wings cannot and should not be moved out of Bengaluru.” While acknowledging Andhra Pradesh’s right to seek new HAL facilities as part of future expansion plans, he described any move to shift existing units from Karnataka as “not just unfair, it’s alarming.”
Patil stated that he would raise the matter with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and other relevant authorities to ensure the state’s interests are protected. “Asking for a new unit is understandable. But asking for what already exists in Karnataka to be shifted is not just unfair—it’s alarming, if the media reports are true,” he said.
He added, “I still believe Chandrababu Naidu understands how these things work, and I’d be surprised if he actually made such a request.”
Following Naidu’s recent meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the Union government has reportedly expressed willingness to consider Andhra Pradesh for future expansions of the Tejas aircraft project. However, Karnataka continues to play a dominant role in India’s aerospace and defence sector, contributing around 65% of the country’s total production and serving as a key base for HAL’s operations.