In a strong call for defence modernisation, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan today underscored the need for India to build and deploy cutting-edge technologies to stay ahead in modern warfare. Speaking at a high-level workshop on UAV and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) indigenisation in New Delhi, he stated, “Today’s warfare has to be fought with tomorrow’s technology.”
The CDS warned against relying on outdated weapons or imported systems for strategic operations. “We can’t win today’s warfare with yesterday’s weapon systems,” General Chauhan said, adding that dependence on foreign niche technologies undermines national preparedness and resilience.
Citing the recent Operation Sindoor, India’s pre-emptive cross-border strike on terror camps in May, Chauhan explained how Pakistan attempted to retaliate using both unarmed drones and loitering munitions. “Most of them were neutralised through kinetic and non-kinetic means,” he said. “None of these UAVs caused any damage to Indian military or civilian infrastructure.”
General Chauhan said recent global conflicts have demonstrated how drones and autonomous systems can rapidly shift tactical advantages, making the development of indigenous counter-drone technologies a strategic imperative. “The use of drones is not just a possibility — it is a reality we are already facing,” he added.
The CDS also stressed the importance of investing in both kinetic systems like laser-based weapons and electromagnetic guns, as well as non-kinetic options such as jamming and AI-powered detection. He urged India’s defence establishment and private sector innovators to accelerate efforts under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative to build robust, scalable UAV and C-UAS platforms.
His remarks reflect a growing recognition within India’s military leadership that future conflicts will increasingly be fought in contested skies using unmanned systems, and only a rapid technological transition can guarantee operational superiority.
