Tonbo Imaging: Futuristic Oem Set To Be The Eyes & Brain Of Indian Military Modernization

Ankit Kumar

Managing Director

Ankit Kumar

Managing Director

The global optronic systems market size is valued over a billion dollars according to market reports and innovations in this sector are happening at a rapid pace. The use of advanced imaging systems is a necessity for a country like India, where security threats abound from all around. Whether it is in the hands of the tactical troops, or integrated with armoured vehicles or mounted along sensitive border lands, imaging systems with inbuilt intelligence play a vital role in securing frontiers and giving India a definitive edge over its foes.

However, when it comes to serving a defence force like India, budget constraints are paramount.The question here is not about availability of the most advanced machinery but about equal distribution of machinery across all armed forces. Tonbo Imaging from Bangalore understood this gap in the industry and concentrated on cost optimization since inception. The company has a wide range of imaging technology systems for all kinds of end usage and is also a supplier of thermal imaging systems to the government of India and local law enforcement agencies through the Ministry of Home Affairs. The company believes that in a country like India, the government should always look at the effectiveness of the technology over decisive budgets. “We are living in the era where India must have a 360-degree surveillance system at all possible points and the government should first look at the systems that need to be in place.

Slowly and steadily, this need is acknowledged and we are currently helping DRDO develop advanced tank systems - Arjun Mark 1A integrated with our cutting-edge imaging systems”, shares Ankit Kumar, Managing Director, Tonbo Imaging.

Excellence in Technology
Tonbo has a huge portfolio of products for industries ranging from defence, security and industrial automation. It produces targeting scopes, binocular sights and target acquisition systems for Infantry soldiers. The company has a range of products for armoured vehicles, driving assistance systems that enable navigation without giving away own position and situational awareness solutions that acquire surrounding information without compromising crew safety.

“Usually, people sitting inside an armoured vehicle have a very narrow field of view of their surroundings. Our 360-degree see through armour systems offers significant advantage in such use cases”, states Ankit. Tonbo Imaging has developed advanced thermal and night vision systems that provide high-resolution images in low to zero light conditions. These systems are used by military and law enforcement agencies to enhance situational awareness and improve operational effectiveness.

Tonbo Imaging also specializes in long range surveillance products and EOIR search and track systems for naval applications and boasts of an impressive portfolio of products for homeland security, border surveillance and coastal surveillance. “We, as a company take care of the conceptualization and design of all our products. The design engineering that is present in the products brings out the excellence in technology that we are able to provide. We take the help of contract manufacturing for the production. Apart from imaging systems for tactical and platform systems, we also design and develop gimbal systems for drones and command launch units for missile systems”, he adds.

Tonbo has a huge portfolio of products for industries ranging from defence,security & industrial automation
Ankit Kumar //Managing Director

Future Projections
Since its inception 12 years ago, the company initially focused on developing the fundamental technologies implemented across its product portfolio, which has given the company a considerable advantage over competitors. Speaking about the future of the company, the Director concludes, “With our products, we’ve covered all bases except space and under water imaging. We are keen to develop tech for that in the coming years.”