Record export: KELTRON signs major passive sonar agreement with international navies

Kochi: State-run Kerala State Electronics Development Corporation Limited (KELTRON) has signed an ₹18 crore export agreement to supply passive sonar systems to navies across the South Asia–North Africa region, marking the largest single export order in the company’s history.

The defence export agreement was formalised at a function in Kalamassery in the presence of Industries Minister P Rajeev.

According to an official statement issued on Thursday, KELTRON will execute the ₹18 crore passive sonar export order through Mumbai-based Neo Power.

The landmark deal follows the successful export of 300 sonar elements by KELTRON in 2025 via Neo Power. The consignment was delivered on schedule and met stringent quality benchmarks, reinforcing KELTRON’s technical expertise and credibility in the defence manufacturing and marine electronics sector.

Neo Power Managing Director A S Vanelkar and KELTRON Managing Director Sreekumar Nair exchanged the agreement documents at the ceremony.

Kokonix revival: KS Smart to acquire 40% stake

In a parallel development, Kokonix, a joint venture formed in 2019 by KELTRON, the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) and UST Global, will see Chennai-based KS Smart acquire a 40 per cent stake as part of efforts to revive its laptop manufacturing unit.

KS Smart, which collaborates with KELTRON in implementing smart classroom projects in states including Tamil Nadu and Odisha, formalised the share transfer agreement during the event. The documents were handed over by KELTRON MD Sreekumar Nair to KS Smart Director Rohan Ramaswamy.

The strategic stake acquisition is expected to strengthen Kokonix’s footprint in the laptop manufacturing and smart device production sector, boosting Kerala’s electronics manufacturing ecosystem.

PTI