CDS Chauhan: Modern weapons crucial, cites Operation Sindoor.
Referring to India’s Operation Sindoor, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan highlighted that none of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) used by Pakistan inflicted any damage on Indian military or civilian infrastructure. He emphasized the importance of modernizing defence capabilities, stating that outdated weaponry cannot effectively counter contemporary threats. Operation Sindoor served as a testament to India’s improved surveillance, preparedness, and technological advancements. General Chauhan underlined that robust systems, upgraded equipment, and rapid response measures are essential to ensure national security in the face of evolving warfare tactics.
Military capabilities, warning that the country cannot afford to rely on outdated weapon systems in an era of rapidly evolving warfare.
“Today’s warfare has to be fought with tomorrow’s technology,” General Chauhan said, addressing a high-level workshop in New Delhi focused on the indigenisation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS). The workshop brought together top defence officials, scientists, and industry experts to discuss the growing importance of drones and the urgent need to develop indigenous solutions to emerging aerial threats.
In a speech that reflected both strategic foresight and operational urgency, the CDS made it clear that the landscape of war is changing — and India must evolve with it.
Operation Sindoor: A Wake-Up Call
General Chauhan pointed to India’s recent Operation Sindoor, conducted in May, as a case study in how modern technology is reshaping the battlefield. In this operation, Pakistan reportedly deployed both unarmed drones and loitering munitions across the border — in an attempt to test India’s surveillance and counter-UAV systems.
“Most of them were neutralised through kinetic and non-kinetic means,” the CDS said, explaining how India’s defence forces acted swiftly to intercept the aerial threats.
The operation, while successful, also served as a reminder that India must not be complacent. It exposed vulnerabilities that could be exploited if the country doesn’t accelerate its pace of innovation and self-reliance.
Dependence on Foreign Tech: A Strategic Weakness
One of the central themes of General Chauhan’s address was the need to reduce India’s dependence on imported niche technologies — especially those critical to national security and strategic operations.
The message was not just about military hardware, but also about fostering a culture of innovation within India’s defence ecosystem. The call to indigenise UAV and anti-drone technologies is not merely an economic choice — it is a strategic necessity.
The Tactical Shift: Drones Are No Longer the Future — They Are the Present
The CDS did not mince words when talking about the transformative role drones now play in warfare. “Recent conflicts have shown how drones can disproportionately shift the tactical balance,” he said, referring to how these relatively low-cost, agile systems have been deployed in conflicts from Ukraine to the Middle East.
“Their use is not just a possibility — it is a reality we are already facing,” he added, urging India’s defence planners to embrace this paradigm shift with seriousness and speed.
General Chauhan called for a multi-pronged approach to counter the drone threat, combining kinetic (destruction through firepower or physical force) and non-kinetic (like jamming or cyber interventions) responses. According to him, the battle against UAVs will not be won with just one solution — it will require layered, adaptable strategies and robust indigenous platforms.
Charting the Road Ahead: Innovation, Collaboration, and Resolve
Wednesday’s workshop in New Delhi wasn’t just a platform for warnings — it was also a space for solutions. General Chauhan’s presence and candid observations lent gravity to the discussions, as representatives from the armed forces, research bodies like DRDO, and private defence firms discussed next steps.
The workshop reflected a growing understanding that public-private partnerships, fast-track procurement, and policy support will all be essential in accelerating India’s progress in this field.
As India prepares for a future where aerial threats could be launched from thousands of kilometres away — without a single soldier crossing the border — General Chauhan’s words echoed as both a challenge and a commitment:
“Victory in tomorrow’s battles will depend on what we build today.”