Indian Army's Elite Tech Unit Headed by Colonel-Rank Officer from Corps of Signals

Defense News ,India :- Signals Technology Evaluation and Adaptation Group (STEAG), a special unit of the Indian Army formed in Delhi, is led by a high-ranking officer called Colonel from the Corps of Signals. Their main goal is to make the army's communication systems better, officials said on Tuesday. 

The group consists of about 280 members and will focus on researching and testing new communication technologies like 6G, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and quantum computing for military use because the way wars are fought is changing.

"We want to make sure the Indian Army's communication setup is top-notch," said a senior official.

This group will be part of the Signals Directorate and will be based in Delhi. It's headed by a Colonel from the Corps of Signals, the official mentioned.

STEAG's job is to develop and improve both wired and wireless communication systems, as officials mentioned earlier.

The creation of STEAG is part of the army's plan to prepare for the future battlefield by developing new technologies, they said.

"It's not a completely new group, but the 21 Signals Group has been reorganized with a new mission as Signals Technology Evaluation and Adaptation Group (STEAG) to keep up with the latest communication technologies," the senior official explained.

This unit fits into the army's vision of 'On Path to Transformation,' aiming to embrace new technologies to become a more modern and effective force, he added.

STEAG marks a significant step in 2024, declared as the 'Year of Tech Absorption,' according to the army official.

It aims to use the latest and specialized technologies from civilian and international sources. The group studies existing technologies to see how they could benefit the Indian Army and suggests trials or implementation plans, officials said.

To achieve this, they work closely with private companies, industries, and academic institutions to tailor technology for military use, they added.

General Manoj Pande, the Army Chief, has been emphasizing the importance of acquiring new technologies as warfare evolves.

The Army sees communication as a crucial aspect of military operations.