Karnataka vs Andhra Pradesh over HAL's manufacturing unit: What we know so far

As the Centre approved the "execution model" for implementing a major indigenous project to develop India's fifth-generation, deep-penetration advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA) for the Indian Air Force, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh are reportedly engaged in a dispute over relocation of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) production units.

Reports suggest that Chandrababu Naidu had proposed relocating the HAL manufacturing unit from Bengaluru to Lepakshi in Andhra Pradesh. However, according to a report by NDTV, Naidu had raised the proposal for establishing a new greenfield HAL facility in Andhra Pradesh during his recent engagements with the Union government, including meetings with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The proposal reportedly seeks to house future manufacturing capacity for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and other upcoming indigenous platforms.

The pushback from Karnataka

Meanwhile, the Karnataka state government stated that HAL is Karnataka’s pride and will seek a defense corridor for the state. The pushback, reportedly comes after reports that the Andhra Pradesh has offered 10,000 acres of land in Andhra Pradesh’s Lepakshi-Madakasira region in Anantapur district — roughly an hour from Bengaluru’s airport — as a possible site for HAL’s AMCA and LCA manufacturing units. The Andhra CM is said to have urged the Centre to consider moving the projects to AP, highlighting proximity to Bengaluru and availability of land.