India to establish new missile testing facilities in AP, Bengal

India is set to bolster its defence capabilities through strategic expansion of missile testing infrastructure across two eastern states. New testing facilities planned for Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal will significantly enhance the country's ability to conduct trials for an expanding array of missile systems, interceptors and ballistic missile defence platforms.

The proposed facilities represent a key component of India's broader effort to strengthen indigenous defence production and reduce reliance on imported systems. By establishing testing infrastructure closer to manufacturing hubs and research centres, the government aims to accelerate development timelines and improve coordination between various defence agencies.

Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal have emerged as strategic locations for these facilities due to their existing defence research ecosystem and geographic advantages. The expansion comes as India continues to modernise its armed forces and develop next-generation weapon systems tailored to contemporary security challenges in the region.

These testing facilities will support evaluation of missiles across multiple ranges and warhead configurations, as well as air defence interceptor systems. The infrastructure enhancement reflects New Delhi's commitment to building self-reliant defence manufacturing capabilities and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers for critical military technologies.