‘Can’t win today’s warfare with yesterday’s weapons,’ says CDS Chauhan, calls for tech modernisation

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on Wednesday emphasized the urgent need for India to modernise its defence systems, stating that the nation cannot afford to rely on outdated weaponry in the face of rapidly evolving threats. “We can’t win today’s warfare with yesterday’s weapon systems,” he said, speaking at a workshop on UAV and counter-drone indigenisation in New Delhi.

Highlighting the critical need for indigenous solutions, General Chauhan warned that dependence on imported niche technologies weakens India’s strategic preparedness. He stressed that the future of warfare will be dominated by cutting-edge, autonomous technologies and that India must be ready.

Referencing Operation Sindoor conducted in May, the CDS revealed that Pakistan had used both unarmed drones and loitering munitions across the border. However, most were neutralised using both kinetic and non-kinetic measures, and “none of these UAVs caused any damage to Indian military or civilian infrastructure,” he confirmed.

The CDS further underlined the shifting dynamics of global warfare, noting how drones have the ability to disproportionately alter tactical outcomes. He urged for increased investment and focus on developing both offensive and defensive drone technologies within India to meet current and future battlefield demands.