In a landmark event today, Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE), Indian Army and 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) to advance collaboration in 'Next Generation Wireless Technologies for Indian Army'. The MoU was signed by Lt General K.H. Gawas, Commandant MCTE and Colonel Commandant Corps of Signals and Dr P.H. Rao, Director General SAMEER. The event was conducted in the esteemed presence of S.K. Marwaha, Group Coordinator MeitY, and Major General C.S. Mann, Additional Director General of Army Design Bureau, Indian Army, reflecting the importance of this strategic initiative for the nation's defence and technological landscape.

This initiative marks a significant milestone in strengthening the Indian Army's technological capabilities which is aligned towards declared vision for 2024 as 'Year of Technological Absorption for Indian Army' by Chief of Army Staff.

Today's MoU signing is expected to reinvigorate this collaboration, with plans to establish an 'Advanced Military Research and Incubation Centre' at MCTE. This centre aims to focus on Advanced Wireless Technologies for the Indian Army.

The partnership between SAMEER and MCTE is beyond an agreement and represents a shared commitment in exploring new technological frontiers, addressing modern battlefield challenges. Merging SAMEER's expertise in wireless technologies and MCTE's application skills in communications, electronic warfare, and cyber operations, the collaboration promises substantial advancements in defence and strategic sectors.

The key objectives of this partnership include:

• Joint Research and Development. Collaborative projects will target deployable solutions, leveraging combined expertise in 5G, 6G, advanced cellular technologies, Software Defined Radios & Cognitive Radios, Satellite Communications, Antenna Design, Free Space Optics, and Tropo-scatter communications, as well as AI, Quantum, and military-specific chip design.
• Incubation Centre. The centre will support the development of military-specific innovative solutions from conceptualization to large-scale production, involving MSMEs and start-ups.
• In addition, the MoU also aims at knowledge exchange, training and development aspects.

The collaboration between SAMEER and MCTE aims to enhance national security and technological infrastructure, with potential benefits that will not only be limited to 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 pivotal moment in the partnership between SAMEER and MCTE, signalling a future filled with innovation and collaborative success. This strategic alliance is poised to set new standards for cooperation between government R&D institutions and military educational bodies, driving significant technological progress.

During the MoU signing ceremony, Major General C.S. Mann, Additional Director General of Army Design Bureau elaborated the Indian Army perspective on absorption of niche technologies. He explained the efforts taken towards creating an ecosystem for development of various emerging technology-based solutions for military applications.

S.K. Marwaha, Group Coordinator MeitY highlighted various MeitY initiatives for defence and strategic applications. He also elaborated the contributions of SAMEER and CDAC in strategic and defence sectors.

Dr P.H. Rao, Signatory of the MoU from SAMEER's side, gave the glimpses of volume of work of SAMEER in defence sector along with ambitious vision for the MoU to develop field deployable solutions for Indian Army, especially in critical technological domains.

Lt General K.H. Gawas, Commandant MCTE and Colonel Commandant Corps of Signals, brought out the significance of the MoU and MCTE's expectations from the MoU to develop field deployable solutions in tactical battle area achieved through the collaborative efforts involving MCTE, SAMEER, academia, industry, researchers and startups coming together to develop the ecosystem with whole-of-nation approach. 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 and play an instrumental role in the national initiative of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.