The Strategic Electronics Factory of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) was inaugurated at Kasaragod on Saturday by Defence minister AK Antony. The facility will produce advanced avionics and complex electronic components, which contribute to the potency of a modern military aircraft. The production facilities at the factory were inaugurated by Kerala chief minister Oommen Chandy.
Antony said the second phase of the expansion of the unit would commence soon. Kasaragod has the potential for large manufacturing facilities as land is available here. Six units of the Defence ministry had already been allotted to Kerala.
The first phase of the factory was set up at a cost of Rs 66 crore after the state government allotted 196 acres of land at the Kerala State Infrastructure Infrastructure Development Corporation (Kinfra) park at Seethangoli, Kasaragod. Production of airborne mission computers, display processors, radar computers and other electronics for SU-30, fighter aircraft and Light Combat Aircraft, has been taken up at the factory.
In the second phase, plans are afoot to produce avionics like radars, electronic warfare suites, communication, and navigation equipment for Medium Multirole Combat Aircraft among others.