Kerala's state-run electronics company Keltron has developed and brought to market a range of advanced equipment for the defence sector, including systems intended for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard.
The equipment has been developed as part of the Kerala government's 100-day action plan with the support of the Industries Department, according to an official release.
The defence ministry's Quality Assurance Organisation has granted Keltron "self-certification authority" for manufacturing three types of equipment — electromagnetic logs, echo sounders and underwater communication systems, according to media reports.
An electromagnetic log is designed to accurately measure the speed of a ship, while an echo sounder is used to determine the depth of water beneath a vessel.
The underwater communication system, meanwhile, enables communication between ships and submarines.
Keltron has specially designed an electromagnetic log for the Indian Navy and developed an echo sounder for the Coast Guard. Both systems were handed over to Additional Director General Rear Admiral Ajith Thekkeppattu.
The company has also secured another order from the Indian Navy for a submarine echo sounder.
The self-certification certificate was handed over by Rear Admiral Ajith to Keltron Managing Director Sreekumar Nair in the presence of Industries, Information Technology and AI Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty.
Industries Department Additional Chief Secretary A.P.M. Mohammed Haneesh, BPT Executive Chairman Ajith Kumar K, BPT Member Secretary Biju Mohan R, Captain Jaswinder Singh and Head Captain Krishnakumar were among those who attended the event.
The development of the equipment forms part of Kerala's efforts to strengthen its public-sector manufacturing capabilities while expanding into defence-related technologies.
