In a welcoming development, Andhra Pradesh is going to have key strategic bases of Indian Air Force (IAF). The IAF has come up with a plan to set up a major helicopter training facility at Donakonda in Prakasam district.

Apart from the India's biggest helicopter training centre, the Air Force is also establishing a drone manufacturing facility in Anantapur district, a cyber security centre in Amaravati and improving Rajahmundry and Vijayawada airports into asset positioning bases. The IAF officials have met AP state government and explained their plans. 

Southern Command Chief Air Marshal Suresh and his team have met CM Chandrababu Naidu and submitted the proposals to develop Air Force Enclaves at different locations in AP. The CM has instructed the officials to find required lands for establishing the Air Force bases. 

The IAF want to strengthen its presence in the view of the growing strategic importance of the east coast given that China is making fast moves. At present, the IAF has a base at Arakkonam in Tamil Nadu.