Sign in

‘Can’t win today’s warfare with yesterday’s weapons’, says CDS Anil Chauhan as he cites 'Operation Sindoor'

Referring to India's Operation Sindoor, General Chauhan said none of the UAVs used by Pakistan caused any damage to Indian military or civilian infrastructure.

Updated on: Jul 16, 2025, 15:26:16 IST
Share
Share via
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • whatsapp
Copy link
  • copy link

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on Wednesday stressed on the urgent need for India to modernise its defence capabilities, saying that “today’s warfare has to be fought with tomorrow’s technology” and not with outdated systems.

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan. (PTI file)
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan. (PTI file)

Speaking at a workshop on UAV and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) indigenisation in New Delhi, the CDS highlighted the growing importance of cutting-edge technologies in modern warfare. “We can’t win today’s warfare with yesterday’s weapon systems,” Anil Chauhan said. He added that India must reduce its reliance on foreign niche technologies critical to its strategic missions.

“Dependence on imported technologies weakens our preparedness,” the CDS said.

While referring to India's Operation Sindoor in May, General Chauhan said Pakistan deployed both unarmed drones and loitering munitions across the border. “Most of them were neutralised through kinetic and non-kinetic means,” he said.

“None of these UAVs caused any damage to Indian military or civilian infrastructure,” CDS Chauhan added.

Underlining the growing role of drones in modern conflicts, the CDS said, “Recent conflicts have shown how drones can disproportionately shift the tactical balance. Their use is not just a possibility — it is a reality we are already facing.”

The CDS called for greater focus on both kinetic and non-kinetic countermeasures to effectively tackle emerging aerial threats, while reiterating the significance of indigenising critical drone and anti-drone technologies.

  • Aniruddha Dhar
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Aniruddha Dhar

    With over a decade of years of experience in both print and digital media, I specialise in writing on politics, defence, and world affairs. I possess a discerning eye for human-interest stories, weaving intricate narratives that captivate and inform.Read More

Follow India news real-time updates and the latest news covered on Hindustan Times, featuring today's critical updates on Sonam Wangchuk LIVE and more across India.