Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan on Wednesday underlined the importance of developing indigenous counter-unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to strengthen India’s security and reduce reliance on foreign technologies.
Speaking at an event at the Manekshaw Centre in Delhi, General Chauhan said that depending on imported systems limits preparedness, production scalability, and critical spare parts availability.
“Operation Sindoor has shown us why indigenously developed counter-UAS systems, built for our terrain and needs, are crucial. We must invest and build to safeguard ourselves. Dependence on foreign technologies weakens our preparedness and gives adversaries an advantage,” he said.
He pointed out that during Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, Pakistan used unarmed drones and loitering munitions against India, but failed to cause any damage. Most drones were neutralised through kinetic and non-kinetic means.
“The employment of drones is evolutionary, but their impact on warfare has been revolutionary,” he added.
General Chauhan also visited an exhibition showcasing efforts to indigenise critical components in UAV and counter-UAS systems, currently imported from foreign manufacturers.
— ANI