The Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE) of the Indian Army and the Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research (SAMEER), an autonomous research and development (R&D) laboratory under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU).
This partnership aims to propel advancements in ‘Next Generation Wireless Technologies for Indian Army’. The MoU was formalised in the presence of Lt Gen K H Gawas, commandant, MCTE, and colonel commandant corps of signals, along with Dr P H Rao, director general SAMEER.
The MoU plans to establish an ‘Advanced Military Research and Incubation Centre’ at MCTE. This centre will serve as a focal point for developing cutting-edge Advanced Wireless Technologies tailored for military applications. The partnership between SAMEER and MCTE goes beyond mere agreement; it embodies a shared commitment to explore and conquer new technological frontiers to address modern-day battlefield challenges. Leveraging SAMEER’s expertise in wireless technologies and MCTE’s prowess in communications, electronic warfare, and cyber operations, this collaboration promises substantial advancements in defence and strategic sectors.
Key objectives of this strategic partnership include:
- Joint R&D: Collaborative projects will focus on developing deployable solutions, harnessing combined expertise in areas such as 5G, 6G, advanced cellular technologies, software defined radios and cognitive radios, satellite communications, antenna design, free space optics, tropo-scatter communications, as well as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum, and military-specific chip design.
- Incubation centre: The centre will support the lifecycle of military-specific innovative solutions from conceptualization to large-scale production, engaging MSMEs and start-ups in the process.
The collaboration between SAMEER and MCTE aims to enhance national security and technological infrastructure, with potential benefits that will not only be limited to the military but will go much beyond. The advancements achieved could impact telecommunications, emergency response, and public safety, demonstrating a commitment to a holistic approach to national security.
The signing of this MoU marks a significant milestone in the partnership between SAMEER and MCTE, paving the way for innovative breakthroughs and collaborative success. This strategic alliance is poised to establish new benchmarks for cooperation between government R&D institutions and military educational bodies, driving profound technological advancements.
During the ceremony, Maj Gen C S Mann, ati vishisht seva medal (AVSM), vishisht seva medal (VSM), Additional Director General (ADG) of Army Design Bureau, articulated the Indian Army’s perspective on integrating niche technologies. He highlighted ongoing efforts to create an ecosystem conducive to developing cutting-edge technological solutions for military applications.
Meanwhile, Shri S K Marwaha, group coordinator, MeitY, underscored various initiatives undertaken by MeitY in support of defence and strategic sectors. He also emphasised the pivotal contributions of SAMEER and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) in advancing India’s strategic capabilities.
In addition, Dr P H Rao, representing SAMEER, provided insights into SAMEER’s extensive work in the defence sector and articulated an ambitious vision for the MoU, aiming to deliver field-deployable solutions for the Indian Army, particularly in critical technological domains.
Further, Lt Gen K H Gawas, param vishisht seva medal (PVSM), VSM, commandant MCTE and colonel commandant corps of signals, highlighted the significance of the MoU and articulated MCTE’s expectations from this partnership. He expressed confidence that collaborative efforts involving MCTE, SAMEER, academia, industry, researchers, and startups would foster an ecosystem contributing to the national initiative of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, paving the way for groundbreaking achievements.
