CDS Chauhan urges defence modernisation post-Op Sindoor
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan has emphasised the urgent need for India to modernise its military capabilities, stating that “today’s warfare cannot be won with yesterday’s weapons.” Speaking at a workshop on drone and counter-drone technology in New Delhi, he highlighted the necessity of reducing dependence on imported systems and focusing on rapid indigenous innovation.
Operation Sindoor as a Strategic Turning Point
Referring to Operation Sindoor, conducted in May following the Pahalgam terror attack, General Chauhan revealed that Pakistan used unarmed drones and loitering munitions during its retaliatory attempts. However, most of these were neutralised through a combination of kinetic means and non-kinetic methods such as electronic warfare. Some drones were even recovered almost intact, indicating gaps in Pakistan’s deployment and India’s improving defence response.
Push for Self-Reliance in Niche Technologies
General Chauhan warned that reliance on foreign suppliers for high-end technology places India at a strategic disadvantage during real-time conflicts. He stressed that domestic defence manufacturing must keep pace with evolving threats, especially in areas like drone warfare, electronic jamming, and integrated air defence systems. “We must build today what will be needed tomorrow,” he said, underscoring the shift toward preemptive innovation.
Tactical Evolution After Early Setbacks
Recalling the early phase of Operation Sindoor, Chauhan acknowledged that India suffered initial setbacks, including the loss of a frontline jet. However, the Indian Air Force adapted swiftly, resuming deep-strike missions while avoiding escalation across nuclear red lines. This, he said, demonstrated India’s resilience and maturity in handling complex modern conflicts.
Drones and Counter-Drones: The Future Battlefield
He described drones as a disruptive force in warfare, capable of influencing outcomes without large-scale invasions. General Chauhan called for equal investment in both offensive drone platforms and counter-UAS technologies, pointing out that warfare is now multidomain, networked, and asymmetric in nature. He added that tomorrow’s wars would be won not by size but by speed, precision, and autonomy.
