In October 2024, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved the establishment of a new missile testing range in Andhra Pradesh worth ₹20,000. This comes as Indian defence experts are developing many tactical missile systems.
According to government sources, the idea was approved by the CCS, which is led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the new missile range would be built in the Nagayalanka district of Andhra Pradesh.
This facility is meant to improve India’s military capabilities by providing a testing ground for tactical missile systems such as surface-to-air and anti-tank missiles, as well as other DRDO-developed technologies.
The clearance of this new range is part of a larger push to enhance India’s defensive infrastructure. The CCS has also approved other key plans, including the purchase of 31 Predator drones from the United States and the construction of two nuclear submarines under Project ATV.
The establishment of this missile testing range is consistent with continuing developments in India’s defence sector, including the development of numerous weapon systems by DRDO.
Proposals for military road construction and space-based capabilities were also approved.
The DRDO is in the process of developing a large number of weapon systems for defence forces, including Very Short Range Air Defence Systems, man-portable anti-tank guided missiles, anti-tank guided missiles, quick reaction surface-to-air missile systems, vertical-launched short-range air defence systems, and many other tactical systems.
The DRDO would also play an important role in the development of nuclear submarines that have been certified by CCS.
