NEW DELHI: In a significant address today at the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS), Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan highlighted the pressing need for the Indian Armed Forces to develop a comprehensive and holistic Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (Counter-UAS) strategy to safeguard national security.
The seminar, titled “UAS Warfare with Special Focus on Counter-UAS,” brought together key military, strategic, and industry leaders to deliberate on the growing role of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in modern warfare and the evolving countermeasures required to neutralize this emerging threat.
ALSO READ: Aero India 2025: Urgent need to modernise mobile air defence systems
Gen Chauhan began his keynote address by emphasizing the disruptive impact of UAS on contemporary warfare. He noted that drones, due to their low-cost and high-impact capabilities, are rapidly reshaping the economics of warfare, making them a key element in both offensive and defensive strategies. Gen Chauhan pointed out the significant trends driving UAS developments, including advances in robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and the increasing speed at which UAS technologies are evolving.
He stressed that these developments are not only changing the way wars are fought but are also fundamentally altering the rules of engagement. Highlighting real-world examples of present-day conflicts, Gen Chauhan discussed how drones are becoming more prominent in asymmetric warfare, providing nations and non-state actors with powerful tools for precision strikes, surveillance, and disruption at a fraction of the cost of traditional military systems.
The Need for Doctrinal Clarity
A major theme of Gen Chauhan’s address was the need for doctrinal clarity within the Indian Armed Forces regarding UAS systems. He emphasized the importance of establishing a common vocabulary and classification system for UAS, drones, and uncrewed systems. He outlined four generations of UAS and discussed the necessity of a unified approach to developing Counter-UAS systems capable of addressing the evolving challenges posed by these technologies.
In particular, Gen Chauhan called for greater synergy between military users, designers, and manufacturers, advocating for indigenous development under India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. He stressed that self-reliance in defence technologies, especially in UAS and Counter-UAS systems, is critical for ensuring India’s strategic autonomy and readiness in an increasingly volatile global security environment.
India’s Advancements in UAS and Counter-UAS Technologies
The seminar also showcased India’s strides in UAS and Counter-UAS technology. Several leading defence industry players, such as JSW UAV Ltd, Mahindra Defence, Adani Defence Systems, Kepler Aerospace, and Shyam VNL Pvt Ltd, presented their latest innovations in counter-drone solutions.
Experts at the seminar provided valuable insights into the integration of AI in drone warfare, discussing how these technologies can be employed to enhance the efficiency of detection, neutralization, and countermeasures in real-time combat situations.
Strengthening Border Security and Counter-UAS Strategies
A major focus of the seminar was the need for robust Counter-UAS systems to address the increasing drone threats along India’s northern and western borders, as well as in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). In recent years, there have been growing concerns over the use of drones for surveillance, smuggling, and even attacks along these strategic borders. The discussions underscored the importance of advanced detection, identification, and neutralization systems to safeguard the country’s territorial integrity.
Prominent military leaders such as Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani (Vice Chief of Army Staff), Air Marshal SP Dharkar (Vice Chief of Air Staff), Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti (Deputy Chief of Naval Staff), and Lt Gen Vipul Shinghal (Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff) participated in key discussions, offering expert perspectives on future strategies for countering drone warfare.
Policy Recommendations for National Counter-UAS Strategy
One of the key outcomes of the seminar was the emphasis on a “Whole-of-Nation” approach to tackling UAS threats. This strategy advocates for the involvement of all national stakeholders, including defense agencies, law enforcement, and intelligence agencies.
The policy recommendations included enhancing legal frameworks for drone usage, advancing electronic warfare capabilities, and developing multi-domain unmanned systems that can work seamlessly across air, land, and sea domains.
Discussions also focused on the integration of these technologies into India’s broader defense and security policy, ensuring that the country is equipped to handle future challenges posed by the increasing proliferation of drones and unmanned systems worldwide.
Strengthening Collaboration Between Military and Industry
The seminar highlighted the need for greater collaboration between the military and the defense industry to address the challenges of UAS warfare. Industry leaders from both public and private sectors were encouraged to work together to design, develop, and deploy solutions that can enhance India’s defense capabilities in the face of rapidly advancing technologies.
The event also featured an exhibition showcasing the latest advancements in drone and counter-drone technologies. This exhibition provided a platform for industry players to demonstrate their capabilities and engage with military leaders on the future of unmanned systems in defense.
ALSO READ: India’s defense push: HAL gets first private sector-made LCA Mk1A fuselage
The CENJOWS seminar reinforced the growing importance of UAS in modern warfare and the urgent need for India to develop a comprehensive Counter-UAS strategy. Gen Anil Chauhan’s call for doctrinal clarity, indigenous innovation, and a unified approach between military, industry, and policy stakeholders was echoed throughout the event. As the nature of warfare continues to evolve, the Indian Armed Forces are prioritizing the development of advanced countermeasures to neutralize drone threats and maintain a strategic advantage.
This high-level seminar highlighted India’s advancements in UAS technologies and also reaffirmed the country’s commitment to strengthening national security through self-reliance and collaboration with key defense industry partners. As drone warfare becomes increasingly central to global security dynamics, India is poised to be at the forefront of developing cutting-edge solutions to tackle this challenge effectively.
