BENGALURU, — June 10, 2026 : Indian defence technology company Tonbo Imaging has expanded its role in naval modernization with the introduction of the Avenger AVG-30HD, an indigenous stabilized electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) gimbal, and the award of an Indian Navy High Power Microwave (HPM) system contract under the ADITI 3.0 innovation framework.
The developments highlight the company's growing focus on advanced maritime surveillance, sensor integration, and directed-energy technologies.
Avenger AVG-30HD Developed for Naval Platforms
The Avenger AVG-30HD has been designed for deployment on Indian naval vessels to enhance maritime surveillance, target tracking, and situational awareness in demanding sea conditions.
The system features a Fiber Optic Gyroscope (FOG)-based gyro-mechanical stabilization system, enabling stable imagery despite ship movement caused by waves and rough weather. It is equipped with a high-definition thermal imaging sensor for long-range detection, recognition, and identification of surface and aerial targets during day and night operations.
Weighing less than 10 kilograms, the gimbal can be integrated on a variety of platforms, including patrol vessels, fast attack craft, unmanned systems, and larger warships.
A key capability of the system is its integrated staring-array panoramic imager, which provides continuous 360-degree situational awareness. The gimbal also incorporates Artificial Intelligence-enabled processing and Electro-Optical/Infrared Search and Track (EO/IRST) functionality, allowing passive detection and tracking of potential threats without emitting radar signals.
Indian Navy Awards HPM System Contract
In addition to the new EO/IR system, Tonbo Imaging has been selected by the Indian Navy to integrate and commission a High Power Microwave (HPM) system under the Ministry of Defence's iDEX initiative and the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) through the ADITI (Advanced Defence Technology Incubation) 3.0 framework.
HPM systems are classified as directed-energy weapons that use concentrated electromagnetic pulses to disrupt, degrade, or disable electronic systems, sensors, and unmanned platforms. The technology is increasingly viewed as an effective countermeasure against drone swarm threats in modern naval warfare.
Under the contract, Tonbo Imaging will be responsible for full system integration and commissioning, with multiple production units planned following successful validation and operational acceptance by the Indian Navy.
Vacuum Tube-Based Technology
According to Arvind Lakshmikumar, Managing Director and CEO of Tonbo Imaging, the company is leveraging its expertise in vacuum tube technologies to achieve the high peak power levels required for HPM applications.
The company stated that vacuum tube-based sources are capable of generating the power and pulse energy needed to effectively disable electronic targets, while current solid-state radio frequency systems cannot achieve similar performance within operational military size, weight, and efficiency requirements.
Expanding Defence Technology Capabilities
The launch of the Avenger AVG-30HD and the HPM contract reflect Tonbo Imaging's broader expansion beyond electro-optical systems into advanced defence technologies, including system integration, embedded software, artificial intelligence, and directed-energy solutions.
The developments also support India's ongoing efforts to strengthen indigenous defence manufacturing and enhance maritime security through domestically developed technologies.
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