SAMEER, MeitY and MCTE, Indian Army Forge Strategic Partnership for Technological Advancement

In a landmark event, the Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE) of the Indian Army and the Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering & Research (SAMEER) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on ‘Next Generation Wireless Technologies for the Indian Army’.

Key Highlights

MoU Signing Ceremony

• The MoU was signed by Lt Gen K H Gawas, Commandant MCTE and Colonel Commandant Corps of Signals, and Dr P H Rao, Director General SAMEER.
• The event was attended by Shri S K Marwaha, Group Coordinator MeitY, and Maj Gen C S Mann, AVSM, VSM, Additional Director General of Army Design Bureau.

Vision and Strategic Importance

• The initiative is aligned with the Indian Army’s declared vision for 2024 as the ‘Year of Technological Absorption’.
• Plans include establishing an ‘Advanced Military Research and Incubation Centre’ at MCTE, focusing on advanced wireless technologies.

Partnership Objectives

• Joint Research and Development: Projects will target deployable solutions in 5G, 6G, advanced cellular technologies, Software Defined Radios, Cognitive Radios, Satellite Communications, Antenna Design, Free Space Optics, Tropo-scatter communications, AI, Quantum, and military-specific chip design.
• Incubation Centre: This centre will support the development of military-specific innovative solutions from conceptualization to large-scale production, involving MSMEs and start-ups.
• Knowledge Exchange and Training: The MoU includes provisions for training, development, and knowledge exchange to bolster technological capabilities.

Expected Impact

• The collaboration aims to enhance national security and technological infrastructure.
• Benefits extend beyond the military to telecommunications, emergency response, and public safety sectors.
• This strategic alliance is expected to set new standards for cooperation between government R&D institutions and military educational bodies.

Statements from Key Figures

• Maj Gen C S Mann elaborated on the Indian Army’s perspective on the absorption of niche technologies.
• Shri S K Marwaha highlighted MeitY’s initiatives for defence and strategic applications, noting the contributions of SAMEER and CDAC.
• Dr P H Rao outlined SAMEER’s ambitious vision for developing field deployable solutions.
• Lt Gen K H Gawas emphasized the significance of the MoU and expressed confidence in its potential to foster groundbreaking achievements and contribute to the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.