Old weapons can’t win new wars, says CDS Chauhan, urges push for India-made drone tech
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New Delhi: Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on Wednesday called for urgent development of indigenous drone and counter-drone capabilities, stressing that outdated weapons cannot address the evolving nature of modern warfare.
Speaking at the Manekshaw Centre in the capital, Gen Chauhan said recent military operations, particularly ‘Operation Sindoor’, underscored the transformative impact of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) on the battlefield.
“In the history of warfare, we have witnessed revolutionary changes — from heavy rifles to lighter, more sophisticated long-range weapons, but the biggest shift is the emergence of drones and unarmed aerial systems. Their utility has grown multifold — from basic surveillance tools to becoming effective force multipliers on the battlefield,” he said.
Referring to the May 10 conflict with Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, he noted that unarmed drones and loitering munitions were deployed by the adversary. “None of them inflicted any damage on Indian military or civilian infrastructure, most were neutralized by kinetic and non-kinetic means,” he said.
However, the incident, he added, highlighted the urgent need to secure lower airspace and strengthen integrated counter-UAV systems.
Drones are smaller, less aerodynamic, cheaper and harder to detect, yet highly effective. They challenge conventional defense thinking.
He warned against overdependence on foreign systems. “Indigenous systems are critical. Foreign systems come with limitations — their specifications are widely known, allowing adversaries to anticipate tactics,” he said.
The CDS strongly advocated for a self-reliant approach, stating that India must accelerate the development of homegrown drone technology and counter-UAS systems to keep pace with future threats.
“Today’s wars must be fought with tomorrow’s technology.” he said.
His remarks come as drone warfare continues to reshape global defense strategies, placing renewed emphasis on innovation, airspace control, and domestic defense production in India.
