India's Defence Chief of Staff General Anil Chauhan, on Wednesday (July 16), said that Pakistani drones deployed during Operation Sindoor did not do any damage to Indian military or civilian assets. Attending the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi, he appreciated the success of India's indigenous counter-drone systems and urged more investment in indigenous defence technology.
He also emphasized the growing value of drones in contemporary warfare and the way India was keeping pace with new-age threats.
General Anil Chauhan came with details from Operation Sindoor. He said on May 10, Pakistan sent unarmed drones and loitering munitions against Indian targets. But he assured, "None of them could cause any harm to the Indian military or civil infrastructure." The defence arrangements either downed them with kinetic and non-kinetic impulses or retrieved them almost undamaged.
His comments reaffirmed India's defensive capabilities and demonstrated the efficacy of homegrown technology adapted to local conditions.
The CDS flagged the requirement for indigenous investment in India's drone and counter-drone technologies. "Operation Sindoor has taught us why counter-UAS systems developed indigenously and customized for our terrain are important. We have to invest and create to protect ourselves," he stated.
He toured an exhibition of home-grown innovations meant for substituting key components now imported from overseas Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), particularly in UAV and counter-UAV domains.
General Chauhan shared the larger context of drone warfare. "When we discuss drones, what do you believe these are—evolutionary or revolutionary? Their development is evolutionary, but their application has been revolutionary," he replied.
He emphasized that when the Army realized its capabilities, drones became a game-changer. From past functions in transport and scouting, they now have key functions in combat operations.
He referred to contemporary wars as evidence of their adaptability and increasing prevalence in international conflict. This, he added, compels India to keep evolving, innovating, and indigenizing.
India's increasing defence readiness is demonstrated by the failure of Pakistani drones during Operation Sindoor. Native counter-UAS systems that were designed for the local terrain worked well and on schedule. These systems, which were created by Indian startups and defence PSUs, demonstrate quick innovation and real-time learning.
With the support of the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign, India is now more capable of managing changing threats. India's emphasis on intelligent, independent solutions is enhancing its tactical advantage as drone warfare transforms contemporary warfare.
