Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan has highlighted a significant shift in the character of modern warfare, describing it as being on the threshold of a “third revolution.” Speaking at a high-level workshop focused on the indigenisation of UAVs and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) in New Delhi on Tuesday, General Chauhan laid out a compelling case for why nations must radically reimagine their military doctrines and preparedness in response to emerging technological paradigms.
Technology Is Reshaping the Battlefield
According to General Chauhan, contemporary conflicts are no longer determined solely by traditional metrics such as troop strength or firepower. Instead, the decisive factor increasingly lies in a nation’s ability to effectively harness #data, #ArtificialIntelligence (AI), #MachineLearning (ML), and other advanced digital technologies.
“We are not just experiencing incremental progress,” Chauhan remarked. “We are standing on the brink of a full-blown #thirdrevolution in warfare—one where the battlefield is shaped not by brute force, but by intelligence, automation, and connectivity.”
Evolution vs. Revolution in Warfare
The CDS drew a crucial distinction between evolutionary and revolutionary changes in military affairs. While evolutionary change involves gradual enhancements—such as making weapons lighter, faster, or cheaper—revolutionary change disrupts the very foundation of military strategy and requires armed forces to fundamentally reorganize how they operate.
“Revolutionary shifts are like the Ice Age,” Chauhan explained. “They don’t just reshape the environment—they demand adaptation. Those who fail to adapt risk extinction.”
The Central Role of Drones in Modern Combat
General Chauhan emphasized the transformational impact of #drones on military operations. What began as civilian tools for photography and transport has evolved into force multipliers on the modern battlefield. Their ability to carry out surveillance, targeting, and even direct strikes without putting human lives at risk has changed how militaries operate.
“Drones now allow armed forces to extend their operational reach, enhance surveillance, and conduct missions across multiple domains simultaneously—with minimal resource expenditure and reduced risk to personnel,” he said.
The Airspace Paradigm Is Shifting
The CDS noted that traditional assumptions about air superiority are being challenged by the widespread adoption of UAVs. Once defined by the dominance of manned aircraft operating at high altitudes, airspace is now fragmented and congested, especially below 15,000 feet—a zone heavily populated by low-cost, agile drones.
“With the introduction of #swarmtechnology, autonomous flight systems, and manned-unmanned teaming tactics, the very concept of air dominance needs to be reimagined,” Chauhan said. “We must revisit our #rulesofengagement, develop new counter-UAS strategies, and rethink how we conceptualise aerial combat.”
He further explained that even near-space, previously not a traditional combat zone, is now relevant due to the deployment of ballistic, cruise, and hypersonic missiles. Thus, modern air warfare spans from just a few meters above the ground to the edge of space.
Real-World Lessons: Operation Sindoor
Drawing from recent experience, General Chauhan referred to Operation Sindoor as an example of India’s growing ability to effectively counter drone threats. In this operation, several Pakistani drones attempting to breach Indian airspace were neutralized or recovered intact.
“These drones failed to inflict any damage on military or civilian targets,” Chauhan noted, pointing to the effectiveness of India’s counter-drone protocols. He emphasized the need to further advance these systems to secure lower-altitude airspace, which has become a new frontier in combat operations.
The Strategic Value of Satellites
General Chauhan also highlighted the role of #LowEarthOrbit (LEO) satellites in increasing the operational range and efficiency of UAVs. These satellites are proving instrumental in enhancing drone communication, coordination, and navigational accuracy.
“LEO satellites form a key component of the data-driven warfare ecosystem,” he said. “They act as enablers that support the real-time decision-making and situational awareness required in the age of #networkcentricwarfare.”
A Call for Innovation and Preparedness
In his concluding remarks, General Chauhan urged India’s defence ecosystem—comprising the armed forces, research institutions, and the private sector—to adopt a forward-looking and integrated approach. He stressed the urgency of developing indigenous unmanned systems, scaling up #AIintegration, and building robust #counterdrone capabilities.
“The nature of warfare is changing rapidly, and so must we,” he said. “To remain prepared for the challenges of future conflicts, we need not just new weapons, but new ways of thinking. Innovation, imagination, and adaptation must be our guiding principles.”
As India stands at the intersection of traditional defence strategy and cutting-edge technology, General Chauhan’s message is both a warning and a roadmap: The era of data-centric, unmanned, and autonomous warfare is no longer in the future—it is already here. To survive and succeed, military strategy must evolve not only in capability but in mindset.