Chandrababu Pitches Andhra as Aerospace Hub in Talks with Rolls-Royce

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, currently on an investment promotion tour in the United Kingdom, is leaving no stone unturned in attracting global giants to the state. During his visit to London, he held a crucial meeting with Rolls-Royce Group’s Chief Technology Officer, Nikki Grady Smith, to explore collaboration opportunities in aerospace and advanced manufacturing. Chandrababu Naidu showcased Andhra Pradesh as a rapidly emerging hub for high-end industrial and technological development. He outlined the state’s strengths — from its skilled workforce and strong infrastructure to its investor-friendly policies — positioning it as the next big destination for global companies.

Highlighting future plans, the Chief Minister proposed the establishment of a military airstrip and a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Orvakal to cater to both defense and civilian aircraft. He also invited Rolls-Royce to consider setting up aerospace component manufacturing units in Andhra Pradesh. Chandrababu Naidu further pointed out Visakhapatnam and Tirupati as ideal cities for Global Capability Centers (GCCs) and mentioned Bhogapuram Airport’s potential to grow into a full-fledged aviation ecosystem with MRO and training facilities. Apart from Rolls-Royce, Naidu also interacted with top executives from SRAM & MRAM Group and Shamko Holdings. Discussions focused on investments in semiconductors, advanced packaging, and battery energy storage systems — areas where both firms showed strong interest.

With his proactive outreach, Chandrababu Naidu is steering Andhra Pradesh towards becoming India’s next major hub for aerospace, defense, and high-tech industries.