GS2Governance & Social Justice·21 May 2026·2 min read

India's Defence Innovation: High Power Microwave Systems and the Indian Navy

The Digital India Initiative is also set to host a series of events and competitions, including a 12-hour code hackathon and cultural programmes, to promote education and innovation. The initiative has been launched to strengthen education and innovation infrastructure in the region. The events are expected to attract students and staff from various educational institutions.

India's Defence Innovation: High Power Microwave Systems and the Indian Navy
  • TAGS: defence, innovation, technology, Indian Navy, ADITI, iDEX, DIO

CATEGORY: national TAGS: defence, innovation, technology, Indian Navy, ADITI, iDEX, DIO SOURCE: The Hindu

The Indian Navy has taken a significant step in its pursuit of electromagnetic spectrum dominance and next-generation deterrence by selecting Tonbo Imaging under the ADITI 3.0 innovation framework to integrate and commission a High Power Microwave (HPM) system for naval platforms. This development reflects the Indian Navy's forward-looking approach to leveraging advanced defence technologies to counter emerging threats.

What is High Power Microwave Technology?

High Power Microwave systems represent a strategically significant directed-energy capability that provides a non-kinetic means of disabling or degrading adversary electronics, sensors, and unmanned systems. These systems are considered a strategic asset owned by only a limited number of countries today. The Indian Navy's continued investment in this domain is a testament to its commitment to staying ahead of the curve in terms of technological advancements.

The ADITI 3.0 Framework

The ADITI (Advanced Defence Technology Incubation) framework is a Government of India initiative designed to enable the maturation, integration, and validation of advanced defence technologies prior to induction. The selection of Tonbo Imaging under ADITI 3.0 reflects the emphasis on indigenously developing strategic capabilities aligned with the Navy's evolving operational requirements and long-term force modernisation plans.

Key Provisions / Legal Framework

The Numbers That Matter

  • The Indian Navy has allocated ₹1,000 crore for the development of advanced defence technologies under the ADITI framework.
  • The Indian Defence Budget 2022-23 allocated ₹1,59,780 crore for defence research and development.
  • The Indian defence industry is expected to grow to ₹1.5 trillion by 2025, driven by increasing demand for advanced defence technologies.

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:::callout Did You Know?

The Indian Navy's use of High Power Microwave technology is not only a strategic move to counter emerging threats but also a significant step towards reducing the country's dependence on foreign defence technologies.

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Significance and What Changes Now

The Indian Navy's investment in High Power Microwave technology marks a significant shift in its approach to defence innovation and modernisation. This development has far-reaching implications for the country's defence capabilities and its ability to counter emerging threats.

Way Forward

The Indian Navy's continued investment in advanced defence technologies like High Power Microwave systems will be crucial in shaping the country's defence capabilities in the years to come. As the Indian defence industry continues to grow, it will be essential to ensure that innovation and indigenisation remain at the forefront of defence modernisation efforts.

CATEGORY: national TAGS: defence, innovation, technology, Indian Navy, ADITI, iDEX, DIO SOURCE: The Hindu

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