IT and Electronics Minister Nara Lokesh, during the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Autonomous Naval Shipyard and Systems Development Center at the coastal village of Juvvaladinne near Kavali in Nellore district on Thursday. | Photo credit: KOMMURI SRINIVAS
The Andhra Pradesh government is working to develop the state as a leading defense manufacturing and naval technology hub in the country, IT and Electronics Minister Nara Lokesh said at the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Sagar Defense Engineering unit at Juvvaladinne village in SPSR Nellore district on Thursday.
The Pune-based unmanned marine surface vessel maker is setting up the world’s first autonomous marine shipyard and system center on 29.58 acres near Juvvaladinne fishing port with an initial investment of ₹45 crore. This project is likely to provide direct and indirect employment opportunities to more than a thousand young people.
“The project will strengthen India’s domestic defense manufacturing capabilities and play a key role in the production of high-tech equipment required for the country’s defense sector,” Mr. Lokesh said.
Autonomous maritime systems, unmanned surface vessels and advanced maritime technologies will be developed through this ambitious project. He added that this will not only take India’s defense manufacturing capabilities to the world level but also pave the way for innovative innovations in naval technology.
“Apart from strengthening coastal security and surveillance, this center will support the development of the fisheries sector and industrial skills,” he said.
Speaking about the Juvvaladinne fishing port, he said the project will change the living conditions of local fishermen. “Around 25,000 fishing families will get employment at this port which is being established with a storage capacity of 41,000 tonnes of fish and can accommodate 1,250 mechanized boats,” he said.
Published – 13 March 2026 19:54 IST
