In a compelling address at a high-level workshop on UAV and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) indigenisation held in New Delhi, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan emphasized the pressing need for India to modernize its defense capabilities. He highlighted the importance of adopting advanced technologies to maintain a competitive edge in the evolving landscape of modern warfare, stating, “Today’s warfare has to be fought with tomorrow’s technology.”
General Chauhan cautioned against over-reliance on outdated weapons and imported systems, deeming them detrimental to the nation’s operational readiness. He asserted, “We can’t win today’s warfare with yesterday’s weapon systems,” pointing out that dependency on foreign niche technologies undermines national resilience and preparedness.
Referencing the recent Operation Sindoor, during which India executed a pre-emptive cross-border strike against terror camps, Chauhan illustrated how Pakistan attempted to respond with unarmed drones and loitering munitions. He remarked, “Most of them were neutralised through kinetic and non-kinetic means,” stressing that none of these UAVs inflicted damage on Indian military or civilian facilities.
The CDS further asserted that recent global conflicts have showcased the potential of drones and autonomous systems to decisively alter tactical advantages on the battlefield, highlighting the urgent need for the development of indigenous counter-drone technologies. “The use of drones is not just a possibility — it is a reality we are already facing,” he noted.
In his address, General Chauhan also underscored the necessity for investments in a range of systems, from kinetic options such as laser-based weapons and electromagnetic guns to non-kinetic solutions including jamming techniques and AI-driven detection systems. He urged the Indian defense establishment and private sector innovators to expedite efforts under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, aimed at creating robust, scalable UAV and C-UAS platforms.
His statements reflect a growing consciousness within India’s military leadership that future conflicts will be increasingly contested in the skies through unmanned systems. According to Chauhan, a swift technological transition is essential to ensure operational superiority in this new era of warfare.
