Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh laid the foundation stone for a new naval systems manufacturing facility of Bharat Dynamics Limited in T Sirasapalli village of Anakapalli district in Andhra Pradesh on Friday. The project marks an important step in strengthening India’s indigenous defence manufacturing sector under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The upcoming facility is expected to play a major role in improving the country’s underwater warfare and naval combat capabilities.

The new manufacturing complex will be developed over nearly 160 acres. It will feature advanced manufacturing and assembly units along with integration buildings, explosive handling and storage facilities, testing infrastructure and administrative blocks. The facility will also include acoustic tank testing infrastructure and a dedicated green belt area. These systems are being planned to support the production and testing of advanced naval systems and underwater weapons for the Indian armed forces.

Established in 1970 under the Ministry of Defence, Bharat Dynamics Limited has become one of India’s leading defence manufacturing companies. The company works closely with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and is involved in producing both strategic and tactical weapon systems for the country. Over the years, BDL has expanded its capabilities in missile systems, underwater weapons and other advanced defence technologies.

BDL currently manufactures several major missile systems used by the Indian armed forces. These include the Akash Missile System, Astra Missile and Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile systems. The company is also involved in the production of anti-tank guided missiles and underwater weapon systems. Its naval systems portfolio includes heavyweight torpedoes such as Varunastra, lightweight torpedoes like TAL, as well as C-303 decoy systems and launchers.

The newly announced facility is being developed mainly to meet the growing operational requirements of the Indian Navy. It will focus on manufacturing underwater weapon systems, torpedoes, naval mines and other associated naval combat systems. Officials believe the new infrastructure will significantly increase BDL’s production capacity and help the company handle multiple defence projects. It is also expected to strengthen coordination and collaboration with DRDO laboratories and Indian Navy establishments located in the Visakhapatnam region.

The project is estimated to involve an investment of nearly ₹500 crore. According to officials, the facility is expected to be completed within the next four years. Once operational, it is expected to become a major centre for naval weapons manufacturing in the country. Defence experts view the expansion as an important move towards strengthening India’s long-term defence preparedness, especially in the underwater warfare segment.

Apart from its strategic and defence significance, the project is also expected to contribute to the economic development of the region. The upcoming facility is likely to generate around 3,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities. It is also expected to support the growth of local MSMEs and ancillary industries connected to the defence manufacturing ecosystem. The project could bring new business opportunities and infrastructure growth to the surrounding areas of Anakapalli district.

The establishment of the naval systems manufacturing unit is also expected to further strengthen the position of the Visakhapatnam region as an important defence and naval hub in the country. Visakhapatnam already hosts several Indian Navy establishments and defence-related institutions. With the addition of this facility, the region’s importance in India’s defence production network is likely to increase further.

The new Naval Systems Manufacturing Facility at T Sirasapalli is being seen as a major expansion of BDL’s capabilities in advanced defence production. The project reflects India’s continued push towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing and reducing dependence on foreign imports for critical weapon systems. By developing advanced underwater warfare systems within the country, the facility is expected to contribute significantly to national security and India’s growing defence strength in the coming years.