Indian Navy has awarded a contract to Tonbo Imaging for the integration and commissioning of High-Power Microwave systems for naval platforms

Indian Navy has awarded a contract to Tonbo Imaging for the integration and commissioning of High-Power Microwave systems for naval platforms

¨     Indian Navy on 19 May 2026 awarded a contract to Tonbo Imaging 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.

¨     It is supported by the Ministry of Defence’s iDEX initiative and the Defence Innovation Organisation.

¨     High Power Microwave (HPM) systems are directed-energy systems.

¨     These systems use focused electromagnetic energy to disable or damage electronic systems, sensors, and unmanned platforms.

¨     HPM systems are used in counter-drone operations and maritime environments.

¨     Drone swarms and asymmetric threats are considered major operational concerns in maritime security.

¨     ADITI 3.0 is an innovation framework linked to the Ministry of Defence’s iDEX ecosystem.

¨     iDEX stands for “Innovations for Defence Excellence.”

¨ The Defence Innovation Organisation acts as the nodal body for defence innovation in India.

¨     Tonbo Imaging will supply production units after verification and approval.

¨     The company will first complete system integration and commissioning activities.

¨     The contract establishes the company as an indigenous technology partner for the Navy’s directed-energy capabilities.

¨     In January 2026, the Microwave Tube Research and Development Centre (MTRDC) of the Defence Research and Development Organisation unveiled a model of its own HPM system at the International Conference on Electronic Warfare.

¨     The DRDO prototype was in the testing phase in January 2026.

¨     The system demonstrated the capability to disable small quadcopter drones at distances of up to 1 kilometre.