In a significant stride towards self-reliance, the Indian Army has proudly introduced an “end-to-end secure mobile ecosystem” named SAMBHAV (Secure Army Mobile Bharat Version). This indigenous development aligns with the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, showcasing the army’s commitment to fostering innovation and securing communications.
SAMBHAV, operating on state-of-the-art 5G technology, marks a substantial leap forward in India’s defense capabilities. Developed in close collaboration with national centers of excellence from academia and industry, this secure mobile ecosystem addresses the vulnerability of mobile networks to eavesdropping, ensuring secure communication with instant connectivity while on the move.
“Mobile networks are prone to eavesdropping, and therefore information security of mobiles is at risk of being compromised. An end-to-end secure mobile ecosystem which is network-agnostic has been developed to provide secure communication with instant connectivity on the move,” explained a senior official. The ecosystem leverages the potential of indigenous public cellular networks in the country and features “5G-ready handsets using multi-tier encryption.”
This initiative resonates with the government of India’s pursuit of “dual-use infrastructure” and exemplifies “civil-military fusion” in emerging technology. The SAMBHAV ecosystem is set to configure 35,000 sets in two phases, with an initial 2,500 sets expected to be operational by January 15 and the remainder by May 31 this year.
The secure applications and operating system, developed indigenously, mark a “significant step towards Atmanirbhar Bharat,” the official emphasized. SAMBHAV boasts a multi-layered encryption system within a pan-India secure ecosystem, riding on a commercial network with inherent security measures.
As India’s defense landscape transforms, the Indian Army is actively enhancing its capabilities in cyberspace. A robust cyber defense triad, encompassing people, process, and technology, has been established. Conventional capabilities are no longer the sole benchmark of military strength, and the army is adapting to the evolving dynamics of cyberspace.
“Cyberspace has emerged as one of the principal domains of hybrid warfare,” noted officials. With an increased proliferation of networks and IT infrastructure, the army recognizes both opportunities and threats across the continuum of operations. To bolster cyber capabilities, Command Cyber Operations Support Wings (CCOSWs) are being established, serving as special sub-units to augment cyber capabilities at operational and tactical levels.
Six CCOSWs are being set up for all commands, and personnel will undergo specialized training and validation exercises. This strategic approach underscores the Indian Army’s commitment to securing its communication channels and staying ahead in the digital landscape.