Amara Raja Enters Defence Electronics with Indigenous Naval Sonar Power Systems

Amara Raja Design Alpha (ARDA), part of the $2 billion Amara Raja Group, has developed an indigenous Power Conditioning Cabinet (PCC) for naval sonar systems, marking its entry into mission-critical defence electronics. The move strengthens India’s self-reliance efforts, with 61 per cent indigenous components and nearly 40 per cent cost reduction achieved through advanced power engineering and local manufacturing.

Naval Sonar Systems

The PCC supports loads of up to 160 kW, delivering stable and high-reliability power distribution for sonar systems used in underwater surveillance and anti-submarine warfare. Designed to meet global standards such as MIL-STD-901D and MIL-STD-461, the system ensures durability, shock resistance and electromagnetic compatibility in demanding naval environments.

The development comes as the Indian Navy continues to scale up investments, with its budget rising from ₹49,623 crore in 2020–21 to over ₹1,03,548 crore in 2025–26, highlighting the growing focus on maritime security and underwater defence capabilities.

Expansion into Advanced Electronics

ARDA plans to expand into Power Amplifiers, Signal Interfaces and Power Amplifier Cabinets in the next phase. This will help create a broader indigenous ecosystem for naval sonar systems and reduce reliance on imported technologies.

Dr Suresh Nair, Managing Director of ARDA, said the development reflects the company’s commitment to contributing to India’s defence sector through advanced electronics and power system design.

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Strategic Ecosystem in Kochi

The company operates from Infopark, Kochi, in proximity to the Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), India’s premier sonar research institution. The presence of both organisations within the same ecosystem is expected to drive collaboration and innovation.

The initiative marks a significant step in strengthening indigenous defence capabilities, positioning Amara Raja as a key private sector player in India’s naval modernisation journey.