Indian Navy awards ADITI 3.0 contract to Tonbo Imaging for high power microwave system

Mumba: The Indian Navy has awarded a contract to Bengaluru-based defence tech firm Tonbo Imaging to integrate and commission a High Power Microwave (HPM) system for its naval platforms under the ADITI 3.0 innovation framework.

HPM systems are a form of directed-energy weapon that use focused microwave energy to disable or damage electronic systems on enemy assets. The technology is considered a strategic asset and is currently owned by only a limited number of countries, Tonbo Imaging said.

The contract falls under ADITI 3.0, or Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX, the third edition of the Defence Ministry’s scheme to fund critical and strategic defence technologies. The programme is backed by iDEX and the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.

Tonbo Imaging will be responsible for the integration and commissioning of the HPM system on naval platforms. While technical specifications remain classified, HPM weapons are typically used for counter-electronics, anti-drone, and missile defence roles by disrupting guidance and communication systems without kinetic impact.

“This award validates India’s push to develop sovereign directed-energy capabilities,” a Tonbo Imaging spokesperson said. “HPM systems represent a strategically significant leap in non-lethal and electronic warfare options for the Navy.”

The ADITI scheme aims to develop up to 30 deep-tech critical and strategic technologies by supporting Indian startups and MSMEs. ADITI 3.0 focuses on high-end innovation in areas including AI, quantum tech, and directed-energy systems.

The Indian Navy has been actively pursuing directed-energy weapons as part of its modernization drive to counter emerging threats from drone swarms and advanced electronic warfare systems in the Indo-Pacific region.