Keltron starts sonar integration for Jalkapi, wins first direct NPCIL order
Keltron has begun integrating bow and flank array sonar systems for the indigenous underwater vessel project Jalkapi, and secured its first direct NPCIL contract.
Kerala State Electronics Development Corporation Limited (Keltron) has commenced the integration of bow array and flank array sonar systems built for Jalkapi, an indigenously manufactured underwater vessel system.
Industries, Commerce, IT and AI Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty inaugurated the integration phase at Keltron Electro Ceramics Limited (KECL), Kuttippuram, on Monday. The event formed part of the United Democratic Front government's first 100-day action programme.
Speaking at the function, the Minister described Keltron as an institution Keralam could take pride in, and said its capacity to manufacture products using advanced technology was a matter of significance. He gave an assurance that the government would extend full support to the organisation's development initiatives.
Keltron has completed the manufacture of the sonar systems. The electronic modules for the Jalkapi project were developed at Keltron Controls, Aroor, while the sensors were produced at the company's Malappuram unit.
Commodore Amit Ray, Deputy Director General, Submarine Design, represented the Indian Navy at the event and shared details of the project.
Separately, Keltron Equipment Complex (KEC), Karakulam, Thiruvananthapuram, has received a contract to manufacture power electronics products for units 5 and 6 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant. The order was handed over by Subhashish Roy, Executive Director of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), and marks Keltron's first direct contract from the corporation.
BPT Executive Chairman K. Ajith Kumar, Malappuram district panchayat member Vaseema Velery, block panchayat member M. Soumya, employees' union representatives and Keltron staff attended the programme. Keltron managing director Sreekumar Nair welcomed the gathering, and KECL managing director Jacob Tharakan proposed the vote of thanks.