On Wednesday, July 16, 2025, Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) Anil Chauhan highlighted the need for self-reliance in drone technology. He was speaking at a day-long workshop. The event focused on the “Indigenisation of critical components.” These components are currently being imported from foreign OEMs in the areas of UAV and C-UAS. It was hosted by the Headquarters, Integrated Defence Staff (HQ-IDS). The workshop was in collaboration with the think-tank Centre for Joint Warfare Studies.
Self-Reliance in Drone Warfare
He talked about how Pakistan’s drones failed to inflict any damage to Indian military or civil infrastructure during Operation Sindoor. Pakistan had sent waves of UAVs along with missile strikes and loitering munitions, targeting civilian and military infrastructure in India. Looking around, the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in military engagements is on a steady rise. Thus, he highlighted that India too needs modern weapons for modern wars.
General Chauhan said UAVs had evolved as a “transformative force” that could shift the “tactical balance disproportionately.”
“For India, self-reliance in UAV and counter-UAV technologies is not only a strategic imperative. It is also about safeguarding its interests. Additionally, it involves seizing the opportunities of the future,” he said.
“We cannot rely on imported niche technologies that are crucial for our offensive and defensive missions. We must invest, build, and safeguard ourselves. Dependence on foreign technologies weakens our preparedness. It limits our ability to scale up production. It results in a shortfall of critical spares for sustenance and round-the-clock availability,” he said.
Modern Conflicts Need Modern Weapons
He talked about how advances in technology have introduced revolutions in military affairs. He emphasized how self-reliance in these technologies is of utmost importance. Chauhan highlighted the broader historical shift in warfare. He added, “Evolutionary changes have made weapons and war fighting equipment smaller, faster, lighter, more efficient, more affordable. We had large, weighty rifles. Now they are shorter, lighter, with longer ranges. The same applies to tanks and aircraft — they are now lighter, faster, and offer greater protection.”
On the use of drones in modern conflicts, he said, “Drones challenge traditional warfare concepts. They make large platforms vulnerable. This drives militaries to rethink doctrines.”
Referring to Operation Sindoor, he said there is a need to protect critical military assets and critical infrastructure. We must focus on developing Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS). This is necessary as drones are becoming a common weapon.
Also read: Operation Sindoor: Losses Were Tactical, But Victory Was Strategic — CDS General Chauhan
Why Import Dependence is Risky
The capabilities of foreign weapons are known to all, said General Chauhan. We lose the chance to bring an element of surprise to the attack when we import these technologies. “We cannot rely on imported niche technologies that are crucial for our offensive and defensive missions. Instead, we must invest, build, and safeguard ourselves. Relying on foreign technologies weakens our preparedness. It limits our ability to scale up production. This dependency results in a shortfall of critical spares for sustenance and round-the-clock availability,” he said.
Systems like UAVs and C-UAS play a vital role in enhancing situational awareness. They enable precision targeting and reduce risks to human personnel. This demonstrates the maturity, dependability, and value of India’s indigenous defence technologies during real-time operations.
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