New Delhi: Andhra Pradesh is poised to become the destination for investments in defence and aerospace sector and is moving ahead with its plan to establish defence cluster at Donakonda of Prakasam district, State Industries, Commerce and IT Minister Mekapati Goutham Reddy said.

The Minister who led the state delegation to the DefExpo India-2020 said the government has vast area of lands in Donakonda for the establishment of the cluster.

“The Industries department has already sent a proposal to the Union government for the establishment of a defence cluster in Donakonda. Under the Make in India initiative, Donakonda is an ideal place for developing defence mechanisms, which also suits aerospace industries,” the Minister said.

“We have ambitious target to create a $26 billion defence industry in the next six years and export $5 billion in defence manufacturing. The way forward, I believe, is to create world class technologies in India by building a partnership based on mutual trust. I believe the dynamic French defence industry is a natural partner in this endeavour,” he said.

He said that students of the State were being trained in skill initiatives such as shipbuilding and marine systems under Dassault Systems and also secured placements in top notch companies.