Ensuring Military-Grade Spectrum Security: Safeguarding India's Air Defence & Army Operations in the 6G Era

With the rapid advancement of wireless technologies, India is gearing up for the rollout of 6G services.

- DR. NISHAKANT OJHA

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is preparing to conduct additional spectrum allocation auctions, enabling telecom operators such as Jio and Airtel to acquire essential frequency bands for nationwide deployment. However, this spectrum allocation has direct implications for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and broader defense operations, as it could impact Electromagnetic Environmental Preparedness (EEP).

This analysis examines the consequences of 6G spectrum allocation on the IAF's operational effectiveness, evaluates electromagnetic interference (EMI) risks, and proposes a framework for harmonized spectrum management between civilian and defense stakeholders.

6G Technology and India's Spectrum Allocation Strategy

6G networks are expected to function within sub-THz (100 GHz-1 THz) and upper mid-band (7 GHz-24 GHz) frequencies, enabling ultra-fast connectivity, AI-driven automation, and enhanced machine-to-machine (M2M) communication. Key applications of 6G include holographic communication, AI-driven automation, and next-generation Internet of Things (IoT) networks. Historically, mid-band and millimeter-wave (mmWave) frequencies have been allocated to telecom providers.

For 6G, critical frequency bands under consideration include the 7-15 GHz range, crucial for military Beyond Line-of-Sight (BLOS) communication and airborne radars, and the 100 GHz-1 THz range, essential for secure battlefield communications and encrypted military networks. It is imperative that spectrum allocation policies protect military applications from potential conflicts arising due to commercial usage.