Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan said in a workshop held in Delhi on 16 July 2025 that today’s war cannot be won by tomorrow’s technology. He emphasized the need for indigenous drones and counter-drain techniques, giving the example of operation vermilion. General Chauhan said that during Operation Sindoor on May 10, Pakistan used unarmed drones and lietoring ammunition, but the Indian Army succeeded in combating them.
He said, “Pakistan’s drones and ammunition did not cause any harm to the Indian military or civil structure. Most of the dangers were neutralized.” Operation Sindoor began on 7 May in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, in which India launched airstrikes on terrorist structures in Pakistan and Pojk.
Chauhan highlighted the increasing role of drone war and said that modern wars are no longer fought in traditional ways. He described the drone as part of the “third revolution”, which is based on data, artificial intelligence (AI), and unmanned systems.
He warned that dependence on foreign techniques weakens our preparations. “We need to develop indigenous unmanned air systems (UAS) and counter-UAS for our territory and needs,” he said.
He gave this statement in a workshop. Its title was “Indigenization of important components imported from foreign OEMS in UAV and C-UAS.” The program was organized by headquarters integrated defense staff (HQ -DS) and Center for Joint Warfare Studies. It is part of promoting defense self -reliance under the self -sufficient India policy. Chauhan said that drone wars are weakening big weapons and air strategies need to be repeated.