SIGNALS TECHNOLOGY EVALUATION AND ADAPTATION GROUP (STEAG)

1. The Indian Army has established the "Signals Technology Evaluation and Adaptation Group" (STEAG), a specialized technology unit.
2. Its main goal is to research and evaluate advanced communications technologies (Artificial Intelligence (AI), 5G and 6G networks, machine learning, and quantum technologies) for defense applications.
3. STEAG aims to be the first organization of its kind.

Indian Armed Forces Modernization:

1. STEAG was created to provide better combat technologies.
2. In 2023, the Army received a new unit called the Command Cyber Operations and Support Wing (CCOSW) to fight against cyber wars.

Corps of Signals and STEAG:

1. STEAG is still in the early stages of development.
2. It will work under Signal Core.
3. It is a combat support branch responsible for handling military communications.
4. The Indian Army recognizes the important role of communications in military operations.
5. Improved communication technologies and the ability to share information provide significant advantages over adversaries.

Seamless Communication Support:

1. The Indian Army emphasizes the importance of inducting new equipment to provide uninterrupted communication support to units and formations during operations.
2. This initiative enhances the capabilities of the Army in the digital domain.

Focus Areas of STEAG:

1. STEAG will focus on the development of analog technologies. It includes electronic exchanges, mobile communications, Software Defined Radio (SDR), Electronic Warfare (EW) systems, 5G and 6G networks, quantum technologies, Artificial Intelligence and machine learning.

Technical Scouting and Evaluation:

1. The Hi-Technology Unit will undertake:

   1. technological exploration
   2. evaluation
   3. development
   4. management of key ICT solutions

2. It will also provide user interface support by:

   1. maintaining
   2. upgrading contemporary technologies available in the environment
3. STEAG aims to ensure that the Indian Army remains well-equipped to meet the challenges of modern warfare

Aligning with Atmanirbhar Bharat and Start-Up India:

1. The establishment of STEAG is in line with the principles of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India) and Start-up India initiatives.
2. The unit aims to connect the armed forces, industry and academia, promoting self-reliance in high-end communication technologies.
3. Till now, these technologies have been monopolized by select countries with advanced economies and research ecosystems.
4. By collaborating with industry and academia, the unit will contribute to the development of indigenous solutions, reduce dependence on foreign technologies and strengthen India's defense capabilities.

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