Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on Monday underscored the urgent need for developing a holistic counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) strategy for the Indian Armed Forces. Addressing a seminar on “UAS Warfare with Special Focus on Counter-UAS,” hosted by the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS), the CDS highlighted the transformative impact of drones in modern warfare.
Key Trends in UAS Warfare
Gen Chauhan emphasized the critical trends shaping drone warfare, including rapid technological advancements, AI-driven intelligence, and increasing automation, which have made drones highly disruptive on the battlefield. Referring to recent conflicts, he noted that drones are reshaping warfare economics by providing low-cost, high-impact solutions.
The CDS stressed the need for the Indian Armed Forces to establish a common vocabulary and doctrinal clarity regarding UAS classification. He outlined four generations of UAS and emphasized the necessity of developing comprehensive counter-UAS measures to mitigate emerging threats.
Call for Indigenous Technological Advancements
Gen Chauhan advocated for enhanced synergy between users, designers, and manufacturers to ensure India’s self-reliance in defence capabilities. He urged policymakers to integrate indigenous technological solutions within strategic frameworks to bolster national security.
Focus on Counter-UAS Systems
The seminar shed light on India’s progress in drone warfare under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, with discussions centering on increasing drone threats along India’s northern and western borders, as well as in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Experts emphasized the need for advanced detection and neutralization systems to counter these evolving threats.
Representatives from leading defence firms, including JSW UAV Ltd, Mahindra Defence, Adani Defence Systems, Kepler Aerospace, and Shyam VNL Pvt Ltd, showcased cutting-edge solutions for counter-UAS warfare.
Participation of Security Agencies
The seminar brought together key stakeholders, including officials from the Border Security Force (BSF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Indian Coast Guard, and state police forces, to discuss collaborative efforts in counter-UAS strategies.
The event reinforced the importance of integrating indigenous technologies with strategic policy frameworks to strengthen national security and ensure India’s preparedness in the evolving landscape of drone warfare.
