On Friday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called for increased self-reliance in India's defence manufacturing sector, highlighting its critical role in national security. Speaking at the foundation stone laying for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh's Sri Satya Sai district, Singh stated that indigenous projects would significantly enhance the country's defence capabilities. The AMCA complex, covering 650 acres and costing approximately ₹15,803 crore (roughly $1.9 billion USD), will focus on developing fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft. Singh expressed confidence that the advanced aircraft would bolster India's air power. Additionally, investments from Bharat Dynamics Limited and Agneyastra will further support indigenous production of advanced underwater systems and weapon systems, respectively. The defence minister noted that India's defence production has surged from ₹46,000 crore to ₹1.54 lakh crore (around $18.5 billion USD), with exports rising from ₹600 crore to nearly ₹40,000 crore ($4.8 billion USD). The AMCA project is expected to create approximately 7,500 jobs and is part of a broader initiative to establish Andhra Pradesh as a military-industrial hub.