Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on Wednesday emphasized the pressing need for India to upgrade its military capabilities, stating that modern warfare requires futuristic technology rather than outdated systems. Addressing a workshop on the indigenisation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) in New Delhi, he highlighted the increasing significance of advanced technology in contemporary combat.

 

“We cannot win today’s battles using yesterday’s weapons,” General Chauhan said, stressing the importance of reducing India’s dependence on imported high-end technologies that are crucial for national security.

 

He pointed to Pakistan’s use of both surveillance drones and loitering munitions during Operation Sindoor in May, noting that most were effectively neutralised through a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic responses. “None of these UAVs succeeded in damaging Indian military or civilian infrastructure,” he added.

 

The CDS underlined the transformative impact of drones on modern warfare, warning that their tactical influence is already evident in recent conflicts. He called for robust measures, both offensive and defensive, to address evolving aerial threats and reiterated the need for India to develop its own drone and anti-drone technologies.