Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) begins work on ₹500 crore naval systems facility in Andhra Pradesh

Bharat Dynamics Limited has started work on a new ₹500 crore naval systems manufacturing facility in Andhra Pradesh, marking a major step in India’s push to strengthen indigenous defence production and underwater warfare capabilities.

The foundation stone for the project was laid at T. Sirasapalli village in Anakapalli district on May 15. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the facility, which is expected to become an important manufacturing base for advanced naval systems required by the Indian Navy.

Spread across nearly 160 acres, the upcoming facility will focus on the production of underwater weapon systems, torpedoes, mines and related naval combat equipment. The project will include advanced assembly areas, integration buildings, explosive handling and storage infrastructure, testing systems and acoustic tank facilities.

According to Bharat Dynamics Limited, the new unit will help the company meet the growing operational requirements of the Indian Navy while improving India’s self reliance in strategic defence manufacturing. The facility is expected to be completed over the next four years.

The project is also expected to create around 3,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities in Andhra Pradesh. Apart from jobs, the facility is likely to support local MSMEs, vendors and ancillary industries connected to precision engineering, defence components, logistics and industrial services.

The location also gives BDL a strategic advantage due to its proximity to Visakhapatnam, which has a strong naval ecosystem and several defence research and maritime establishments. The company said the new facility will improve its ability to execute multiple defence projects at the same time and strengthen collaboration with Defence Research and Development Organisation laboratories and naval institutions in the region.

Established in 1970 under the Ministry of Defence, Bharat Dynamics Limited is a key public sector defence manufacturer involved in missile systems, underwater weapons and other defence equipment for the Indian armed forces. The company has contributed to major defence systems including Akash, Astra and Varunastra.

The Andhra Pradesh facility comes at a time when India is increasing investments in domestic defence manufacturing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Once completed, the project is expected to enhance naval preparedness, reduce import dependence and strengthen the country’s defence industrial base.