Cochin Shipyard and SFO Technologies develop India's first indigenous hybrid laser arc welding technology

Kochi [Keralam]: Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) and SFO Technologies, the flagship company of NeST Group, have jointly developed India's first indigenously designed and manufactured Hybrid Laser Arc Welding (HLAW) technology. Unveiled on November 11, 2026, at NeST Hitek Park in Kalamassery, Kerala, the development aims to strengthen domestic capabilities in advanced manufacturing, particularly for shipbuilding and defence applications.

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The HLAW system integrates laser welding, conventional arc welding, robotics and advanced automation. It is powered by a high-power fibre laser source developed in-house by SFO Technologies, reducing dependence on imported laser welding platforms and specialised manufacturing equipment.

The technology is designed to deliver faster welding speeds, deeper penetration, reduced structural distortion and improved weld consistency. These capabilities are particularly relevant to naval shipbuilding, where welding quality and manufacturing precision directly influence structural integrity and production efficiency.

Beyond shipbuilding, the system has potential applications across defence manufacturing, heavy engineering, railways and the energy sector. It can also support the fabrication of large industrial structures, including storage tanks and railway wagons, improving productivity and manufacturing repeatability.

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Alongside the unveiling, the companies inaugurated an Advanced Laser Engineering Centre and Hybrid Laser Arc Welding Research and Development Facility at Kalamassery. The facility will focus on research, testing, validation and commercialisation of advanced laser technologies, creating an ecosystem for further indigenous industrial innovation.

The collaboration represented another step towards strengthening India's advanced manufacturing and defence industrial base under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. It also demonstrates the growing role of partnerships between Indian public-sector shipyards and private technology companies in developing specialised capabilities for strategic industries.

(Defence Watch– India’s Defence News centre that places the spotlight on Defence Manufacturing, Defence Technology, Strategy and Military affairs is on Twitter. Follow us here and stay updated.)