- “Chandradeep Penmetsa on Matrix’s Leap into Defence Surveillance”
- “Matrix CTO: Technology Must Be a Force Multiplier for Troops”
By Sangeeta Saxena
New Delhi. 28 September 2025. Matrix Smart Technologies is bringing next-generation surveillance solutions to India’s armed forces, building on its two decades of expertise in civil and smart city projects. From lightweight body-worn cameras under 60 grams to advanced EO/IR pods capable of 12 km day-and-night identification, and high-power searchlights integrated with optical systems, the company is delivering practical tools tailored for the realities of India’s diverse border environments—land, desert, mountain, and maritime. By combining indigenous integration with cutting-edge OEM partnerships and AI-driven analytics, Matrix is positioning itself as a force multiplier, reducing troop fatigue, enhancing situational awareness, and supporting the operational edge of India’s military and paramilitary forces.
At a recent defence and security showcase, Aviation & Defence Universe (ADU) spoke to Chandradeep Penmetsa, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Matrix Smart Technologies, a 22-year-old Indian system integrator known for large-scale surveillance solutions. With the company’s recent foray into defence technologies and its collaboration with global OEMs, Penmetsa shared insights on Matrix’s evolution, its indigenisation efforts, and its focus on delivering force-multiplying solutions for India’s armed forces and paramilitary.
ADU. What space is Matrix Smart Technologies ?
Chandradeep Penmetsa. We are a 22-year-old organisation and a system integrator for large-scale surveillance projects. We work on smart cities, safe cities, data centres, OFC backhaul, and wireless networks for governments. In the last two years, we’ve also entered defence technologies, doing licence production of surveillance products under transfer of technology.
ADU. Who are your clients in the armed forces?
Chandradeep Penmetsa. We are already present with some solutions in the armed forces, and our plan is to upgrade and expand them. Our focus is on providing practical solutions, especially for the infantry and border deployments—be it land, marine, mountainous, or desert borders.
ADU. What products are you showcasing here?
Chandradeep Penmetsa. We are showcasing three products: ultra-lightweight body cameras, a long-range EO/IR pod with 12 km day-night identification capability and advanced analytics, and a high-power searchlight slaved to the optical system that projects up to 1.5 km. These combine optics, AI, and illumination—perfect for perimeter and border surveillance.
ADU. How has the company evolved into defence technologies?
Chandradeep Penmetsa. The defence vertical is only two years old. Before that, we worked extensively in civil surveillance—integrated perimeter security, under-vehicle scanners, and municipal/government projects. Defence was a natural progression, and today we are combining OEM partnerships with our integration expertise to deliver customised solutions.
ADU. Is Matrix Smart Technologies completely Indian-owned?
Chandradeep Penmetsa. Yes, it’s a fully Indian company, founded in 2002, with about 300 employees. Our headquarters is in Hyderabad, and we work across India depending on the project. We integrate systems from various OEMs, and where Indian supply chains are limited, especially in electronics, we partner with foreign OEMs exclusively and bring technology into India under ToT.
ADU. Are you looking at exports as well?
Chandradeep Penmetsa. We’ve never focused on exports before, but recently there has been interest from South Asian and African countries. They see India as a hub for licence production and manufacturing, and they are more inclined to partner with India compared to Western sources.
ADU. What about skill development within your company?
Chandradeep Penmetsa. We do intensive skill development. As integrators, we deal with complex systems, and every OEM requires specialised training. We also do cross-functional training, because every two years technology shifts and we must adapt. Upskilling is vital to stay ahead.
ADU. How do you view technology’s role for soldiers on the ground?
Chandradeep Penmetsa. Technology must act as a force multiplier. Our goal is not just surveillance, but to reduce manpower requirements and give deployed troops proper rest and relief. By handling routine monitoring, technology can ease stress and increase efficiency on the borders.
Matrix Smart Technologies is carving its place in India’s defence ecosystem by bringing its two-decade-long expertise in surveillance integration to the armed forces. From lightweight body cameras to advanced EO/IR pods and integrated searchlight systems, Matrix is showcasing solutions tailored to India’s diverse border environments. With a strong foundation in civil surveillance, new licence-production initiatives in defence, and growing international interest, Matrix is positioning itself as both a domestic innovator and an emerging global partner in surveillance technologies.
