Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. File
| Photo Credit: NAGARA GOPAL
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy said Telangana aimed to emerge as the country’s largest industrial hub for the defence industry, calling upon domestic and global companies to step up investments in defence manufacturing, aerospace, space technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI) and drone technology.
Addressing the curtain-raiser for Raksha Expo-2026, he said the State had the necessary ecosystem, skilled human resources, research institutions and industrial capabilities to play a leading role in strengthening India’s defence manufacturing sector.
The government would soon unveil its Aerospace and Defence Policy 2.0, aligned with the Telangana Rising Vision 2047, he said.
Mr. Revanth Reddy said Hyderabad occupied a strategic position in India’s defence ecosystem, being home to several important research institutions and strategic establishments associated with the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force.
Although Telangana is the only landlocked State in southern India, it continued to make significant contributions to the Indian Navy, he said, referring to the very low frequency (VLF) naval radar facility being constructed in the Damagundam Reserve Forest in Vikarabad district.
He stressed that India should move beyond importing technologies required for warfare and become a country capable of exporting advanced defence technologies. Strong defence capabilities were necessary not only to fight wars but also to preserve peace by deterring adversaries from initiating conflicts, he said.
The Chief Minister said Telangana had been working towards realising this vision but needed greater participation from industry leaders and investors to achieve more ambitious targets. He urged companies to double their investment plans in the State and assured them of the government’s cooperation in addressing their requirements.
“Tell me what support you need from me to achieve this objective. I am ready to extend all necessary assistance,” he said, emphasising that the government was committed to creating a conducive environment for investment.
No policy paralysis
Stating that there was no policy paralysis in Telangana, Mr. Revanth Reddy said political and ideological differences would not come in the way of investment and development. The government had a clear approach and strong determination to advance economic growth, he said, urging industry leaders to think big and explore opportunities across strategic sectors.
While the State accounted for more than 2.5% of India’s population and contributed about 5% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), he wanted Telangana’s share in the national economy to rise to 10% by 2047.
Defence manufacturing, aerospace and allied industries would play a crucial role in achieving this objective, he said.
The Chief Minister also invited investors to participate in the second edition of the Invest Telangana Global Summit, scheduled to be held at Bharat Future City on December 7, 8 and 9.
Published – October 24, 2026 10:40 pm IST
