Mumbai: God’s own country, Kerala, is making significant strides in India’s journey toward self-reliance in defence manufacturing through several key initiatives. When it comes to tourism, Kerala ranks among the top, but the development of industries, particularly defence manufacturing, is hard to believe. Yet, Kerala’s initiatives are silently but effectively boosting India’s AatmaNirbhar Bharat initiative.

A key player in this development is Keltron, a state-owned enterprise, which has been instrumental in supplying vital systems needed for India’s first homegrown anti-submarine warfare vessel, INS Arnala. Keltron played a pivotal role in supplying critical systems such as sonar sensors, underwater communication tools, power amplifiers, and echo sounders. Keltron also developed the Maareech Towed Array, a system designed to detect and neutralize torpedoes, strengthening the Indian Navy’s potential.

The Kerala Defence Innovation Zone (K-DIZ), a partnership among the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and Technopark, is nurturing a dynamic ecosystem for aerospace and defence startups. This initiative is part of a broader emerging technology hub, a 200,000 square-foot facility aimed at promoting innovation in these sectors.

Land allocations are also in progress to support this growth. A 200-acre site is being developed for the second unit of BrahMos Aerospace Trivandrum Ltd (BATL), and a proposed 100-acre Integrated Defence Industrial Park is planned near Kattakada. These developments seek to attract significant investments and establish Kerala as a hub for defence manufacturing.

Kerala’s drone industry is also taking flight. Startups like Vektas Technologies, based in Technopark, are developing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) capable of carrying payloads between 10 to 20 kilograms and flying for up to two hours. In Kochi’s Maker Village, Volador Aerospace Pvt. Ltd. is crafting drones for strategic missions, while in Veli, a 60-acre Aerospace Control System Complex is under development, focusing on avionics, navigation, and micro-fabrication.

Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL), known for building and repairing aircraft carriers like INS Vikrant, is nurturing maritime startups through its ‘USHUS – Nurturing Aspirations’ program, in collaboration with IIM – Kozhikode and IIT – Madras. These initiatives aim to support the next generation of defence precision manufacturing and hardware deep-tech exports.

Despite these advancements, Kerala’s achievements in the defence sector often go uncelebrated, with industry analysts pointing out that the state doesn’t beat its drums. However, the state’s efforts are crucial in curbing India’s reliance on imports and enhancing national security. By fostering innovation, supporting startups, and investing in infrastructure, Kerala is playing a vital role in powering AatmaNirbhar Bharat.

Photos: Free/Representational