Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on Wednesday called for a rapid overhaul of India’s drone capabilities, urging the development of indigenous unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and counter-drone technologies to address evolving threats on the battlefield.

Speaking at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi, Gen Chauhan highlighted the transformation of modern warfare, pointing to the increasing role of drones. “The biggest shift in warfare is the emergence of drones and unarmed aerial systems. They are now force multipliers — no longer limited to surveillance,” he said.

Referring to the recent ‘Operation Sindoor’, he revealed that on May 10, Pakistan deployed unarmed drones and loitering munitions. “None caused any damage to Indian military or civilian infrastructure,” he said, noting that “most were neutralised by kinetic and non-kinetic means.”

The operation, he said, proved the urgent need for integrated counter-UAV systems to secure India’s lower airspace.

Gen Chauhan underlined the limitations of imported drone systems, warning that foreign technology often exposes tactical vulnerabilities due to widely known specifications. “We must not depend on imports. Our defence strategy demands future-ready, India-made drone technology,” he asserted.

He described drones as “cheaper, harder to detect, and sophisticated,” adding that they are redefining conventional military thinking. “Old weapons can’t win new wars. We must develop systems based on tomorrow’s technologies.”

The CDS’ remarks come as India steps up its push for self-reliance in defence, especially amid a global shift toward drone-dominated and asymmetric warfare.