“Foreign Tech Can’t Shield Us Forever”: CDS General Anil Chauhan Warns, Highlights Indigenous Success in Operation Sindoor

New Delhi: In a powerful address at the Manekshaw Centre in Delhi, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan outlined the critical importance of developing indigenous defence systems while shedding new light on Operation Sindoor — a military exercise launched by the Indian Armed Forces on May 7. As per an India TV report, the operation served as a demonstration of India’s growing capabilities in countering unmanned aerial threats, especially through domestically developed technologies.

General Chauhan revealed that on May 10, Pakistan deployed a series of loitering munitions and unarmed drones along the Indian front. However, he emphasized that none of these inflicted any damage on Indian military or civilian infrastructure. “Most drones were neutralised using both kinetic and non-kinetic methods; some were recovered nearly intact,” he stated, underlining the role of Indian-built counter-UAS systems in defending the nation.

The CDS took the opportunity to issue a stern caution against the country’s continued dependence on imported defence technologies. He stressed that foreign systems, while often technologically advanced, are poorly suited for India’s specific terrain and warfare requirements. He noted that imported equipment often suffers from limitations like difficult scalability, delayed access to spare parts, and inconsistent operational readiness — all of which hinder the Armed Forces’ ability to respond swiftly and effectively during critical situations.

“We must invest and build to safeguard ourselves. Dependence on foreign technologies limits our ability to scale up and sustain operations. Indigenous solutions are essential for our unique terrain and mission requirements,” General Chauhan declared. He added that foreign-origin systems also present a strategic vulnerability, as adversaries are typically familiar with their design and capabilities, making it easier to predict and counter India’s tactics.

In his address, General Chauhan also reflected on the growing role of drones in modern warfare. He described drone technology as “evolutionary” in development, but “revolutionary” in its impact on battlefield strategy. He praised the Indian Army’s recent efforts to integrate drones into tactical operations in innovative ways — a trend increasingly visible in global conflicts.