The Indian Army has established an elite unit tasked with exploring futuristic military technologies, including artificial intelligence.
The Signals Technology Evaluation and Adaptation Group (STEAG) is expected to bolster the country’s capabilities in the digital domain to help address evolving threats.
It will carry out technical scouting, evaluation, development, and management of core information and communications technology solutions for the Indian Army.
The group will also provide user interface support and perform maintenance and upgrades of conventional technologies.
“It will be the first-of-its-kind unit to be equipped with the capability to harness niche technology, leverage cutting-edge solutions, and identify suitable use cases for defense applications…” an official was quoted as saying.
Other areas STEAG will explore include machine learning, quantum computing, and 5G and 6G networks.
Preparing for Modern Warfare
According to the Indian defense ministry, the establishment of STEAG is part of the army’s efforts to develop technologies for future battlefields.
It will help deploy, among others, secure mobile networks to enable the Indian armed forces to survive modern warfare.
“Communications are an important component of military operations,” another source stated. “In the fast-evolving technologies for the battlefield, the side with better communication technologies and the ability to connect various constituents for information sharing will have an edge over its adversary.”
The new elite unit is expected to enable New Delhi to keep pace with other countries with advanced research ecosystems for military technologies.
It will do so by fostering collaboration and partnership with academia and industry, according to the sources.