CDS Gen Anil Chauhan: ‘Can’t Fight Modern Wars with Outdated Weapons, India Must Embrace Future Tech’

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on Wednesday emphasized the urgent need for India to modernise its defence systems, stating that the country cannot fight “today’s warfare with yesterday’s weapon systems.” Speaking at a workshop in New Delhi on the indigenisation of UAV and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS), the CDS underscored the growing role of cutting-edge technology in modern combat.

“We must fight today’s wars with tomorrow’s technology,” he asserted, urging a reduction in India’s dependence on foreign, high-end defence technologies. “Relying on imported systems weakens our preparedness and strategic autonomy.”

General Chauhan cited Operation Sindoor, during which Pakistan deployed both surveillance drones and loitering munitions across the border. He noted that Indian forces neutralised the threats effectively using both kinetic and non-kinetic means, with no damage reported to military or civilian infrastructure.

Highlighting the increasing use of drones in recent global conflicts, the CDS warned, “Drones are not just future threats — they are a present reality that can shift the tactical balance.”

He stressed the need to bolster both offensive and defensive drone capabilities through indigenous development, calling for accelerated innovation in drone and anti-drone technologies to ensure battlefield superiority.