Indian Army raises elite technology unit STEAG; here's what we know
By Anish Kumar | First Published Mar 18, 2024, 3:55 PM ISTThe Indian Army has established the Signals Technology Evaluation and Adaptation Group (STEAG), a specialized unit dedicated to researching and evaluating futuristic communication technologies for defence applications.
Amid the ongoing evolution in technologies in the defence sector and the changing nature of modern warfare, the Indian Army has raised the Signals Technology Evaluation and Adaptation Group (STEAG), an elite technology unit that will undertake research and evaluation of futuristic communication technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), 5G, 6G, machine learning, quantum technologies among others for defence applications.
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It must be noted that communications play an important role in the battlefield and the side which has better communication technologies and the ability to connect the various constituents for information sharing will have an edge over its adversary.
In recent times, the nature of warfare has changed from conventional to non-conventional, wherein technologies are a major component.
An Indian Army official told Asianet Newsable that modern warfare necessitated the induction of new equipment to provide seamless communication support to units and formations during operations. "To imbibe such advancements in technology, the Indian Army has raised this groundbreaking technology-oriented unit STEAG which will bolster its capabilities in the digital domain," he said.
'On Path to Transformation' strategy
The STEAG, consisting of approximately 280 personnel, is an elite technology unit established to research and assess cutting-edge communication technologies such as AI, 5G, 6G, machine learning, and quantum technologies for defence applications. This initiative aligns with the Indian Army's "On Path to Transformation" strategy, aimed at integrating advanced technologies to prepare for future challenges.
Designated as the significant initiative of 2024, declared as the "Year of Tech Absorption," STEAG operates under the Signals Directorate and is headquartered in Delhi. Led by a Colonel-rank officer from the Corps of Signals, its primary objective is to enhance the communication infrastructure of the Indian Army.
STEAG is tasked with analyzing existing technologies to meet the specific requirements of the Indian Army and identifying potential use cases for trials and implementation. To achieve this, it collaborates with private companies, industry partners, and academic institutions to develop and adapt technologies tailored to the army's needs.
What would STEAG do?
The STEAG will be the nursery for nurturing and developing tailored technologies spanning the complete spectrum of wired and wireless systems to include electronic exchanges, mobile communications, Software Defined Radios (SDR), Electronic Warfare (EW) systems, 5G and 6G networks, Quantum Technologies, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning among others.
It will be a premier organization, the first of its kind equipped with the capability to harness niche technology, leverage cutting-edge solutions and identify suitable use cases for defence applications. In order to achieve the goal, the STEAG will also foster collaboration and partnership with academia and industry.
"The hi-tech unit will carry out technical scouting, evaluation, development, management of core ICT solutions, and provide user interface support by maintenance and upgradation of contemporary technologies available in the environment,” the officer said.
STEAG will also help bridge the divide between the Armed Forces on the one hand and Industry and Academia on the other.
“The new Centre of Excellence is expected to be a game changer in fostering self-reliance in high-end communication technologies, which have thus far been a monopoly of select countries with advanced economies and research ecosystems,” the officer added.
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