Wavestrike – India’s First Deployable Gen-3 High-Power Microwave System
In an era where unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and swarm drone attacks pose an escalating threat to military and civilian infrastructure, innovative defence solutions are more critical than ever. Enter the Wavestrike System, a cutting-edge next generation High-Power Microwave (HPM) Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) developed by Bengaluru-based Tonbo Imaging. Unveiled at Aero India 2025, this third-generation system represents a leap forward in electronic warfare, offering a non-lethal yet highly effective means to neutralize electronic threats, particularly drones. The Wavestrike has already garnered international attention, marking a significant milestone for India’s burgeoning defence technology sector. WaveStrike is India’s first deployable Gen-3 HPM system.
Tonbo Imaging, a company renowned for its advanced imaging and sensor systems, has long been a key player in addressing complex visualization challenges in defence, security, and transportation. Tonbo, founded by Arvind Lakshmikumar, a robotics and computer vision expert with a distinguished career spanning DARPA, NASA, and DRDO projects, has consistently pushed the boundaries of electro-optic innovation. The Wavestrike System builds on this legacy, integrating Tonbo’s expertise in imaging with pioneering HPM (High Power Microwaves) technology to create a game-changing counter-drone solution.
First showcased at Aero India 2025, held from February 10-14 at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru, the Wavestrike was designed to tackle one of the most pressing challenges in modern warfare: the proliferation of UAVs and swarm drone tactics. Unlike traditional kinetic weapons that rely on physical destruction, Wavestrike uses directed microwave energy to disrupt or disable the electronic systems of its targets, offering a versatile and scalable defence mechanism.
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How Wavestrike Works?
At its core, the Wavestrike System leverages High-Power Microwave technology to emit focused beams of electromagnetic energy. These microwaves interfere with the electronic components of UAVs, jamming communications, disabling navigation systems, or even rendering the drones inoperable by frying their circuitry. According to Ankit Kumar, Tonbo’s co-founder and Chief Revenue and Business Officer, the system employs multibeam klystrons—devices capable of generating substantial microwave energy with a compact antenna and limited power input. This design ensures efficiency and portability without compromising effectiveness.
The system integrates advanced search and track radars with an Electro-Optical (EO) system, enabling precise detection and engagement of targets. With a current range of approximately 3 kilometers, Wavestrike can neutralize individual drones or counter swarm attacks across a significant area. Its non-lethal nature makes it an attractive option for scenarios where collateral damage must be minimized, such as urban environments or near critical infrastructure.
Key Highlights:
• Innovative Technology: The WaveStrike HPM system features Multi-Beam
Klystron (MBK) technology, enabling long-range engagement with a compact
and mobile design.
• Enhanced Defence Capabilities: WaveStrike offers instantaneous, wide-
area neutralization of drone swarms and electronic threats, making it superior
to traditional counter-UAV systems.
• All-Weather Operation: Unlike lasers and kinetic weapons, WaveStrike
operates effectively in all environmental conditions, ensuring reliable defence
in any scenario.
• Compact and Scalable Design: The system’s compact form factor allows for
easy integration into vehicle-mounted, airborne, and naval platforms,
providing versatile deployment options.
Unlike conventional counter-UAV solutions that rely on jamming, spoofing, lasers, or kinetic interceptors, WaveStrike uses high-power microwave pulses to fry electronic circuits, making it immune to AI-driven, GPS-independent drones and hardened enemy systems.
For mobility, Wavestrike can be mounted on a trailer connected to a Light Mobility Vehicle (LMV) 4×4, allowing rapid deployment across diverse terrains. This adaptability ensures it can be utilized in a variety of operational contexts, from border security to naval defence.
Strategic Capabilities and Applications
The Wavestrike System’s ability to counter swarm drone attacks sets it apart as a critical asset in modern electronic warfare. As drone technology becomes more accessible, adversaries can deploy large numbers of low-cost UAVs to overwhelm traditional defences. Wavestrike’s HPM technology addresses this by disrupting multiple targets simultaneously, making it a scalable solution for saturated drone assaults.
Tonbo Imaging demonstrated these capabilities at Aero India 2025, where the system’s effectiveness against UAVs drew significant interest. Its potential to integrate with existing defence platforms further amplifies its strategic value, offering a seamless addition to air defense, coastal surveillance, and battlefield operations.
Global Impact and Market Success
The debut of Wavestrike at Aero India 2025 was more than a technological showcase—it was a commercial triumph. Tonbo Imaging secured soft confirmations from foreign buyers too.
The system’s appeal lies not only in its performance but also in its accessibility. Unlike many advanced defence technologies restricted by export controls like ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations), Wavestrike is a fully “Made-in-India” solution free from such limitations. This positions Tonbo to compete effectively in emerging markets, offering state-of-the-art technology at a competitive price point.
Tonbo Imaging: A Leader in Indigenous Innovation
The success of Wavestrike reflects Tonbo Imaging’s broader mission to deliver indigenous, cutting-edge solutions for defence and security. With a vertically integrated approach—spanning optics, electronics, and computer vision—Tonbo has built a robust portfolio of intellectual property and products. From thermal imaging systems for tanks to vision solutions for autonomous vehicles, the company has a proven track record of meeting critical market needs.
Headquartered in Bengaluru, Tonbo’s team brings global expertise to the table. Co-founder Ankit Kumar, where he combines his deep technical expertise in optics, imaging, and vision systems with strategic business acumen. During his career spanning two decades, Ankit has smoothly evolved from a technical specialist into a leader focused on driving business expansion and increasing revenue growth. Ankit excels in maximizing revenue, identifying new business opportunities, and aligning Tonbo’s innovative technologies with market needs. His role is pivotal in cultivating relationships with key clients in defence sectors With a background in Computer Science, specializing in Computer Vision, Ankit’s technical foundation is instrumental in understanding market intricacies and envisioning solutions that cater to diverse needs. Ankit is integral to Tonbo Imaging’s strategic direction, focusing on sustainable growth and market leadership in the imaging technology sector, complements Lakshmikumar’s leadership and driving the company’s technical and commercial growth. Their combined vision has positioned Tonbo as a key partner to the Indian military and international clients alike, including high-profile customers like DARPA and US Special Operations Command.
The Future of Wavestrike and Beyond
Wavestrike System is poised for further evolution. In an Exclusive conversation with DefenceXP, Tonbo’s Co-founder Ankit Kumar, confirmed that Tonbo Imaging is likely to refine its range, power efficiency, and integration capabilities based on feedback from ongoing trials. They have tested the WaveStrike in different scenarios against different types of targets. Currently, they are in process of integrating it with the existing land or naval systems on ground to provide effective solutions for armed forces
The system’s success could pave the way for additional variants tailored to specific operational needs, such as longer-range versions for strategic defence or compact models for tactical units.
Moreover, Wavestrike’s development aligns with India’s push for self-reliance in defence technology under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative. By showcasing indigenous innovation on a global stage, Tonbo Imaging is not only enhancing national security but also elevating India’s profile as a hub for advanced defense solutions.
Also Read, Tonbo Imaging: India’s Own Hi-Tech Startup
Conclusion
The Tonbo Imaging Wavestrike System is more than a technological marvel—it’s a testament to the power of innovation in addressing contemporary security challenges. With its High-Power Microwave technology, precise targeting, and strategic versatility, Wavestrike is redefining how militaries counter electronic threats. As it transitions from prototype to deployed system, it stands as a beacon of India’s defence capabilities, promising a future where advanced, non-lethal solutions play a central role in safeguarding nations. For Tonbo Imaging, Wavestrike is not just a product—it’s a bold step into the next frontier of warfare.
