Analysts see the move positioning Thiruvananthapuram as a defence and aerospace hub, dovetailing with regional investments in space tech and the state-backed K-Space Park to lure aerospace and defence players.

The Nettukaltheri open prison complex is being repurposed, with 257 acres carved out for strategic use and 180 acres allotted to BATL for advanced missile manufacturing in Thiruvananthapuram.

The government argues the land sale-free allotment will boost revenue and establish a permanent Central Armed Police Force presence in Kerala by moving an SSB battalion headquarters here.

The Chief Minister described the project as a transformative driver of industrial growth, expected to create over 500 high-skilled jobs and attract major investments and tax revenue.

The cabinet approved gifting 180 acres near Kallikkad to BATL for building an advanced missile facility and related strategic units, at no cost.

The decision follows a Supreme Court order in December 2025 permitting Kerala to allot Nettukaltheri land to BATL for expansion.

Kerala will transfer 180 acres free of cost to BrahMos Aerospace Trivandrum Ltd for an advanced missile production hub at Nettukaltheri, Kattakada, Thiruvananthapuram.

BATL, formerly Kerala Hitech Industries Limited, is a government-promoted entity with a track record of supplying to ISRO, DRDO, GTRE, HAL, and the DAE.

Nettukaltheri, near Neyyar Dam, will allow BrahMos to relocate from its current 15.8-acre site at Chackai to scale up production under DRDO.

The Nettukaltheri land will enable BATL to expand from its 15.8-acre Chackai facility to full-scale missile production and related defence hardware within Kerala.

The court noted reallocating open prison land for national-defence projects serves national interest and will not disrupt prison operations.

Government officials say the land allocation advances national security and defence growth, while creating employment and boosting regional development.