Indian Navy Selects Tonbo Imaging for HPM System

The Indian Navy awarded a contract to Bengaluru-based defence technology firm Tonbo Imaging on 19 May 2026 for the integration and commissioning of a High Power Microwave (HPM) system for naval platforms. The project falls under the ADITI 3.0 innovation framework and is supported by the Ministry of Defence’s iDEX initiative and the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO).

High Power Microwave Systems

High Power Microwave systems are directed-energy systems that use concentrated electromagnetic energy to disable or degrade electronic systems, sensors, and unmanned platforms. These systems are used in counter-drone roles and in maritime environments where drone swarms and asymmetric threats are operational concerns.

ADITI 3.0 and iDEX Framework

ADITI 3.0 is an innovation framework linked to the Ministry of Defence’s iDEX ecosystem. iDEX stands for Innovations for Defence Excellence, and the Defence Innovation Organisation functions as the nodal body for defence innovation in India.

Indian Navy Contract and Delivery Process

Tonbo Imaging will undertake system integration and commissioning before supplying production units after validation and acceptance. The contract places the company in the role of an indigenous technology partner for naval directed-energy capability.

DRDO’s HPM Development

In January 2026, the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s Microwave Tube Research and Development Centre (MTRDC) in Bengaluru unveiled a model of its own High Power Microwave system at the International Conference on Electronic Warfare (EWCI). The DRDO prototype was in the trials and testing phase in January 2026, and it had disabled small quadcopters up to 1 km.

Important Facts for Exams

• High Power Microwave systems belong to the broader category of directed-energy weapons.
• Directed-energy systems can target electronics without using conventional kinetic projectiles.
• DRDO’s HPM prototype operates in the S-band frequency.
• The DRDO system has a reported peak power output of about 450 megawatts.

Tonbo Imaging is a Bengaluru-based defence technology firm. The Defence Research and Development Organisation’s Microwave Tube Research and Development Centre is also based in Bengaluru.