Amara Raja Group has announced its foray into defence electronics through the development of an indigenous Power Conditioning Cabinet (PCC) designed for naval sonar systems. The breakthrough has been achieved by Amara Raja Design Alpha (ARDA), the group’s specialised engineering and research arm, marking its first milestone in mission-critical defence applications.
The PCC has been engineered to deliver reliable and stable power to sonar systems, which are essential for underwater surveillance and anti-submarine warfare. Around 61 percent of the system’s components have been sourced domestically, reflecting a strong commitment to localisation. This approach is expected to reduce overall costs by nearly 40 percent through efficient design, advanced power engineering and local manufacturing.
Built to support loads of up to 160 kW, the PCC ensures consistent performance in demanding maritime conditions. Sonar systems depend on high-quality power to maintain precision in acoustic detection, particularly during extended naval missions. The system has been developed in compliance with stringent global defence standards, including MIL-STD-901D for shock resistance and MIL-STD-461 for electromagnetic interference and compatibility, ensuring durability and operational reliability in challenging naval environments.
The announcement comes at a time when India is significantly strengthening its maritime capabilities. The Indian Navy’s budget has seen substantial growth, increasing from ₹49,623 crore in 2020–21 to over ₹1,03,548 crore in 2025–26. Within this framework, sonar systems play a crucial role in enhancing underwater awareness and strengthening anti-submarine operations across the fleet.
ARDA’s entry into defence electronics highlights the expanding role of private sector companies in supporting India’s indigenisation efforts. The company plans to build on this development by expanding its portfolio in the next phase. Future work will include the design and development of Power Amplifiers, Signal Interfaces and Power Amplifier Cabinets, contributing to a more comprehensive domestic ecosystem for sonar technologies.
Commenting on the achievement, Dr Suresh Nair, Managing Director of ARDA, said the company is leveraging its expertise in electronics and power systems to support national defence initiatives. He noted that the development reflects a long-term commitment to building advanced capabilities in collaboration with India’s defence research institutions and contributing to strategically important technologies.
ARDA’s presence in Kochi adds further significance to this development. The company operates from Infopark in Kochi, which is also home to the Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), a leading institution under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). NPOL has played a central role in advancing India’s sonar technology for decades. The emergence of a private-sector design and development capability within the same ecosystem signals a deepening of collaboration and a stronger indigenous technology base.
Amara Raja Design Alpha is an associate company of Amara Raja Electronics Limited and operates as a design-led engineering and product development organisation. Headquartered in Kochi, the company focuses on electronics systems design and manufacturing, offering end-to-end solutions across multiple domains. Its capabilities span electronics and mechanical design, industrial design, power electronics, photonics systems, prototyping, testing and turnkey manufacturing. ARDA works with industry partners, research institutions and government organisations to convert concepts and research into deployable products across sectors including defence, automotive, energy, telecommunications and industrial systems.
Founded by Dr Ramachandra N Galla, the Amara Raja Group is a diversified conglomerate with revenues exceeding $2 billion. The group has built a strong global presence with operations spanning automotive and industrial batteries, electric vehicle solutions, infrastructure, electronics, auto components and food processing. Its products are exported to more than 65 countries, supported by a workforce of over 21,000 employees.
The development of the PCC for naval sonar systems marks an important step in strengthening India’s defence manufacturing capabilities. It also underscores the growing contribution of domestic industry in delivering advanced, reliable and cost-effective technologies to support national security objectives.
