Amara Raja arm enters defence electronics, builds naval sonar power system
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Amara Raja Group has forayed into defence electronics, with its R&D arm Amara Raja Design Alpha developing an indigenous Power Conditioning Cabinet (PCC) for naval sonar systems, marking its first mission-critical delivery in the segment.
The company said around 61% of the system’s components are locally sourced, enabling nearly 40% cost savings through advanced power engineering and domestic manufacturing. The PCC is designed to support loads of up to 160 kW, ensuring stable and high-reliability power distribution for sonar systems, which require consistent power quality during prolonged maritime operations.
Focus on naval indigenisation
The move aligns with India’s broader push for defence self-reliance, especially in underwater surveillance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. Sonar systems form a key component of the Indian Navy’s operational architecture, as the country continues to ramp up maritime investments.
The Navy’s budget has more than doubled from ₹49,623 crore in 2020–21 to over ₹1,03,548 crore in 2025–26, underlining the strategic focus on strengthening naval capabilities.
ARDA’s PCC systems will comply with global defence standards such as MIL-STD-901D and MIL-STD-461 for shock resistance and electromagnetic compatibility, ensuring reliability in demanding naval environments.
Expansion plans underway
Going forward, ARDA plans to expand into the design of power amplifiers, signal interfaces, and power amplifier cabinets, aiming to build a more comprehensive domestic ecosystem for sonar technologies.
“We are excited that our expertise in electronics and power system design and manufacturing can contribute directly to our nation's defence systems," said Dr. Suresh Nair, MD, ARDA. "This development reflects our commitment to building deep, long-term capability in strategically important technologies alongside India's defence research institutions.”
The development is also significant given ARDA’s presence in Kochi, home to Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory, a key Defence Research and Development Organisation facility that has led India’s sonar technology programme for decades. The emergence of private-sector capabilities within the same ecosystem signals a deepening of indigenous defence innovation.