Amara Raja Design Alpha Private Limited (ARDA), an engineering research and development firm within the Amara Raja Group, has developed an indigenous Power Conditioning Cabinet (PCC) for naval sonar systems, marking its entry into mission-critical defence electronics. The system is designed to support loads of up to 160 kW and is intended for use in naval platforms requiring stable and high-reliability power distribution.
According to a press release issued by Amara Raja Group, about 61 percent of the PCC’s components are indigenous, enabling around 40 percent cost efficiencies through advanced power engineering and local manufacturing. The company stated that this development represents a contribution to ongoing efforts to increase domestic capability in defence electronics.
The PCC is designed to comply with global standards such as MIL-STD-901D and MIL-STD-461 for shock and electromagnetic interference/electromagnetic compatibility (EMI/EMC). The system is intended to provide high-quality power required for sonar systems, where acoustic detection equipment operates under sustained maritime conditions.
“We are excited that our expertise in electronics and power system design and manufacturing can contribute directly to our nation’s defence systems,” said Suresh Nair, Managing Director of ARDA. “This development reflects our commitment to building deep, long-term capability in strategically important technologies alongside India’s defence research institutions.”
The company plans to expand into the design of Power Amplifiers, Signal Interfaces, and Power Amplifier Cabinets in the next phase, with the aim of supporting a broader domestic ecosystem for naval sonar systems.
The development comes amid increased spending on naval capabilities. The Indian Navy’s budget has risen from INR 496.23 billion in 2020–21 to over INR 1,035.48 billion in 2025–26, indicating higher investment in maritime systems, including sonar technologies used in underwater surveillance and anti-submarine operations.
ARDA operates from Infopark in Kochi, which is also home to the Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), a defence research facility focused on sonar research and development.
Amara Raja Design Alpha Private Limited is part of the Amara Raja Group, which has a reported group valuation of USD 2 billion and operates across sectors including energy and electronics.
