The Indian Army has launched a groundbreaking advancement in its technological prowess with the inception of the Signals Technology Evaluation and Adaptation Group (STEAG). This specialised unit is dedicated to exploring and assessing cutting-edge next-gen communication technologies such as 6G, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and quantum computing tailored for military applications.
“It will be a premier organisation, the first of its kind equipped with the capability to harness niche technology, leverage cutting-edge solutions and identify suitable cases for defence applications by fostering collaboration with academia and industry,” an Indian Army official disclosed.
Cultivating Future Technologies
The foremost aim of STEAG is to cultivate technologies spanning wired and wireless systems, encompassing diverse domains such as electronic exchanges, mobile communications, software-defined radios, electronic warfare systems, and beyond. Army officials underscore the significance of STEAG in developing cutting-edge solutions and promoting partnerships with academia and industry to pinpoint appropriate defence applications.
The official stated that the specialized unit will concentrate on forthcoming crucial technology realms, incorporating electronic exchanges, mobile communications, software-defined radios, electronic warfare systems, 5G and 6G networks, quantum technologies, AI, machine learning, and more.
The advanced unit will conduct technical scouting, evaluation, development, and management of core ICT solutions. Additionally, the official elaborated that it will offer user interface support through the maintenance and upgrading of contemporary technologies existing in the environment.
Focus Area and Mandate
The STEAG will focus on essential technology domains, including 5G and 6G networks, quantum technologies, AI, and machine learning. The unit will engage in technical scouting, evaluation, development, and management of core ICT solutions and provide user interface support through the maintenance and enhancement of current technologies.
“Aligning itself with the tenets of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) and Start-Up India), STEAG will help bridge the divide between the armed forces and industry and academia,” the official revealed.
The new Centre of Excellence is poised to revolutionize the landscape by nurturing self-reliance in sophisticated communication technologies. Traditionally monopolized by a few countries with advanced economies and robust research ecosystems, this initiative aims to level the playing field, he claimed.
Strategic Significance
The inception of STEAG highlights the Army’s dedication to acquiring novel technologies in light of the changing landscape of warfare. Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande has stressed the significance of technological advancement in sustaining a competitive advantage on the battlefield. By the tenets of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) and Start-Up India, STEAG endeavours to facilitate collaboration among the armed forces, industry, and academia, thus bridging crucial gaps.
Promoting Self-Reliance
Indian Army expects that STEAG will play a pivotal role in cultivating self-reliance on sophisticated communication technologies, which are traditionally monopolized by nations with advanced economies and robust research ecosystems. The establishment of this Center of Excellence is expected to be a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of technological self-sufficiency, heralding a transformative shift.
Enhancing Operational Capability
In modern warfare, efficient communication is a cornerstone of operational triumph. Army officials stress that possessing superior communication technologies and the capacity to interconnect diverse elements for information exchange confers a strategic edge. The creation of STEAG underscores the Army’s dedication to integrating technological advancements, bolstering its prowess in the digital sphere, and guaranteeing seamless communication support throughout operations.
“In the fast-evolving technologies for the battlefield, the side with better communication technologies and the ability to connect the various constituents for information sharing will have an edge over its adversary,” another official said.
Contemporary warfare demands the integration of new equipment to offer uninterrupted communication support to units and formations during operations. “To incorporate these technological advancements, the Indian Army has established the groundbreaking technology-focused unit STEAG, which will strengthen its capabilities in the digital domain,” he observed.
Ravi Shankar
