STEAG: The Vanguard of India’s Digital Military Transformation

Team Udayavani, Mar 21, 2024, 4:10 PM IST

The Indian Army is getting ready for future battles in a new way. They have started a special group called the Signals Technology Evaluation and Adaptation Group (STEAG). This group is the first of its kind and has a big job to do.

Their main goal is to work on new technologies. These technologies are important for fighting and winning wars in the future. The Army wants to make sure they are prepared for whatever comes next.

Officials have shared this information with PTI, a news agency. They said that the group will focus on all types of communication technologies. This includes both wired and wireless communication systems .

Cultivating Technologies for the Future

The STEAG, or Signals Technology Evaluation and Adaptation Group, will conduct research and assessment on advanced communication technologies such as electronic exchanges, mobile communications, software-defined radios, electronic warfare systems, 5G and 6G networks, quantum technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, quantum computing, and other emerging technologies. This research aims to determine their suitability for military purposes given the evolving nature of the field.

According to an official, the STEAG’s objective is to utilize specialized technology, employ innovative solutions, and identify appropriate scenarios for defense applications. This will be achieved through fostering partnerships with academia and industry to promote collaboration.

The Firstpost report quotes an official stating that the advanced technology unit will engage in several activities. These activities include scouting for technical advancements, evaluating their capabilities, developing new technologies, and managing them. Furthermore, the unit will provide support for user interfaces by maintaining and upgrading the existing contemporary technologies in the environment.

Aligning with the concept of a self-reliant India (Atmanirbhar Bharat),

Under the leadership of Army Chief General Manoj Pande, there has been a growing emphasis on the army’s requirement for adopting new technologies, given the evolving nature of warfare.

In light of this, the official, choosing to remain anonymous, stated that STEAG aims to align itself with the principles of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) and Start-Up India. The primary objective of STEAG is to bridge the gap between the armed forces, industry, and academia, by facilitating collaboration and fostering technological advancements.

Revolutionary Advancements in Communication Technology

According to the official, the newly established Center of Excellence will bring about a transformative shift in communication technology. Currently, advanced communication technologies are limited to a select number of countries with developed economies and robust research ecosystems. The aim of this center is to facilitate the development and self-reliance of such technologies in the country.

The Army acknowledges the critical role communication will play in military operations.

According to another official, in the rapidly advancing technologies used in military operations, the party that possesses superior communication technologies and the ability to connect various elements for information sharing will hold an advantage over their adversary.

It is noteworthy that the Chinese military is anticipated to prioritize the gradual integration of 6G technology, recognizing its essential role in future military advancements. With the aid of 6G technology, operators will have improved command and control capabilities over unmanned military assets, which are projected to have a significant role in future conflicts, as mentioned in The Times of India.

The official stated that the changing nature of modern warfare requires the incorporation of new equipment to ensure uninterrupted communication support for units and formations during operations.

He further emphasized that in order to adopt such technological advancements, the Indian Army has established the pioneering unit known as STEAG, which will enhance its capabilities in the digital realm.

Girish Linganna
Defence & Aerospace Analyst
Mobile +91 9845099196

(The author Girish Linganna of this article is a Defence, Aerospace & Political Analyst based in Bengaluru. He is also Director of ADD Engineering Components, India, Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. You can reach out to him at: [email protected])