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In a landmark event, the Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE), Indian Army, and the Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering & Research (SAMEER), an autonomous R&D laboratory under the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing collaboration in ‘Next Generation Wireless Technologies for Indian Army.’
The MoU was formally in the presence of various dignitaries including Shri S K Marwaha, Group Coordinator MeitY, and Maj Gen C S Mann, AVSM, VSM, Additional Director General of Army Design Bureau, Indian Army, highlighting the strategic importance of this initiative for the nation’s defence and technological landscape.
This initiative marks a pivotal step in bolstering the Indian Army’s technological capabilities, aligned with its vision for 2024 as the ‘Year of Technological Absorption for Indian Army’, set forth by the Chief of Army Staff.
The MoU signing is expected to catalyse this partnership, with plans underway to establish an ‘Advanced Military Research and Incubation Centre’ at MCTE. This centre will specialise in Advanced Wireless Technologies tailored for the Indian Army.
The collaboration between SAMEER and MCTE signifies more than just an agreement; it represents a shared commitment to explore new technological frontiers and tackle modern battlefield challenges. By combining SAMEER’s expertise in wireless technologies with MCTE’s proficiency in communications, electronic warfare, and cyber operations, this partnership aims to achieve substantial advancements in defence and strategic sectors.
- Joint Research and Development: Collaborative projects will focus on developing deployable solutions, harnessing combined expertise in 5G, 6G, advanced cellular technologies, Software Defined Radios & Cognitive Radios, Satellite Communications, Antenna Design, Free Space Optics, Tropo-scatter communications, as well as AI, Quantum, and military-specific chip design.
- Incubation Centre: The newly established centre will support the development of innovative military-specific solutions from inception through to large-scale production, involving Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and startups.
- Knowledge Exchange and Training: The MoU also emphasises knowledge sharing, training, and development initiatives crucial for advancing technological capabilities within the Indian Army.
This collaboration between SAMEER and MCTE aims not only to bolster national security but also to enhance technological infrastructure, with potential applications extending beyond military contexts to telecommunications, emergency response, and public safety. It underscores a holistic approach to national security and technological innovation.
Maj Gen C S Mann, AVSM, VSM, Additional Director General of Army Design Bureau, elaborated on the Indian Army’s perspective on integrating niche technologies, emphasising efforts to foster an ecosystem for developing emerging technology-based solutions for military applications.
Shri S K Marwaha, Group Coordinator MeitY, highlighted various initiatives by MeitY aimed at defence and strategic applications, underscoring the pivotal roles of SAMEER and CDAC in these sectors.
Dr P H Rao, signatory of the MoU from SAMEER, provided insights into SAMEER’s substantial contributions in the defence sector and articulated an ambitious vision for developing field-deployable solutions for the Indian Army, particularly in critical technological domains.
Lt Gen K H Gawas, PVSM, VSM, Commandant MCTE and Colonel Commandant Corps of Signals, underscored the significance of the MoU and articulated MCTE’s expectations for developing field-deployable solutions in tactical battle areas through collaborative efforts involving MCTE, SAMEER, academia, industry, researchers, and startups.
He expressed confidence that this partnership will pave the way for groundbreaking achievements and set a new standard for collaboration between government R&D institutes and military educational institutions, playing an instrumental role in the national initiative of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.
The signing of this MoU marks a significant milestone in the partnership between SAMEER and MCTE, heralding a future marked by innovation and collaborative success. This strategic alliance is poised to set new benchmarks for cooperation between government R&D institutions and military educational bodies, driving transformative technological advancements.
