Meet the Indian Army's elite unit that will work on 6G, AI, other future tech

“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,” the news agency quoted an official as saying.

The official noted that the group has been tasked with keeping a focus on all forthcoming technology domains like software-defined radios, electronic exchanges, mobile communications, electronic warfare systems, 5G and 6G networks, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and machine learning among others.

As per the Army officials, the hi-tech unit will be carrying out technical scouting, development, evaluation, and management of core ICT solutions, besides providing user interface support by maintenance and upgradation of contemporary technologies available in the environment.

Keeping in mind the changing nature of warfare, Indian Army Chief General Manoj Pande has time and again been highlighting the need for acquiring new technologies by the security forces.

“Aligning itself with the tenets of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Start-Up India, the STEAG will help bridge the divide between the armed forces and the industry and academia,” the official said.

The new Centre of Excellence has been projected to be a game changer in promoting self-reliance in high-end communication technologies, which have so far been monopolised by select countries with developed economies and research ecosystems.

The Army believes communications will be an important component during military 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 Army official said.

The new unit will ensure that units and formations have uninterrupted communication support during operations, modern warfare necessitates the induction of new equipment. STEAG will bolster the Army's capabilities in the digital domain.