Strategic Projects, Defence Investments Dominate Revanth-Rajnath Talks

As Telangana intensifies its efforts to position itself as a leading hub for defence manufacturing, aerospace investments and strategic infrastructure , Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Monday met Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi to seek support for a series of high-priority projects. The discussions focused on the expansion of Adilabad Airport , a proposed DRDO defence facility at Devarakadra , and other initiatives that could strengthen the state's role in India's growing defence ecosystem.

The meeting, held at Kartavya Bhavan , comes at a time when Telangana is witnessing significant momentum in the defence and aerospace sectors. Revanth Reddy thanked the Defence Ministry for facilitating the transfer of defence land required for the prestigious Gandhi Sarovar Project , a key component of the state's ambitious Musi Riverfront Development Programme . He said the Centre's support would help accelerate one of Hyderabad's most important urban rejuvenation initiatives.

A major focus of the discussions was the proposed expansion of Adilabad Airport , which is being developed as a strategic dual-use facility serving both military and civilian aviation needs. The Chief Minister assured the Centre of the state's full cooperation in land acquisition and utility relocation works. He urged the Defence Ministry to support the establishment of a comprehensive aviation ecosystem at the airport, including a civil passenger terminal , cargo handling facilities , Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services , aircraft hangars and other supporting infrastructure.

Highlighting the airport's strategic potential, Revanth Reddy noted that evolving geopolitical developments in parts of Central Asia have prompted several international airlines to seek secure locations for aircraft maintenance and storage. He said Adilabad could emerge as an ideal destination for global aviation investments and become an important logistics and aerospace hub in central India.

The Chief Minister also sought expedited approvals for a proposed DRDO/DRDL project near Devarakadra in Mahabubnagar district. He emphasized that the project would not only strengthen India's defence capabilities but also attract investments, create skilled employment opportunities and spur industrial growth in the region.

The meeting assumes added significance amid Telangana's emergence as one of India's most important defence manufacturing centres. Recently, Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) announced a landmark partnership to manufacture Rafale fighter aircraft fuselage sections in Hyderabad , marking the first time these critical components will be produced outside France. The upcoming facility is expected to serve both domestic and international markets, further enhancing Hyderabad's position in the global aerospace supply chain.

With major establishments such as DRDO , Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) , Tata Advanced Systems and several missile and avionics units already operating in the state, Telangana is rapidly evolving into a strategic defence and aerospace powerhouse. Against this backdrop, the discussions between Revanth Reddy and Rajnath Singh are being viewed as an important step toward accelerating defence-led industrial growth and attracting the next wave of high-value investments to the state.