Highlighting the need for achieving self-reliance in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS), Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan on Wednesday said that dependence on foreign technologies challenges the country’s defence readiness.
Speaking at the one-day workshop on ‘Indigenisation of Critical Components Currently Being Imported from Foreign OEMs in the Areas of UAV & C-UAS’ organised jointly by Headquarters, Integrated Defence Staff and Center for Joint Warfare Studies, the CDS said that the recent Operation Sindoor has “shown us as to why indigenously developed UAS and C-UAS built for our terrain and our needs are crucial”.
“Dependence on foreign technologies weakens our preparedness, limits our ability to scale up production, results in a shortfall of critical spares for sustenance and round-the-clock availability,” he added while speaking about the philosophy of Atmanirbharta.
“We cannot rely on imported niche technologies that are crucial for our offensive and defensive missions. Dependence on foreign technologies weakens our preparedness, limits our ability to scale up production, results in a shortfall of critical spares for sustenance and round-the-clock availability.”
Revealing about the weaponised drones and loiter munitions used by Pakistan on May 10 during the Operation Sindoor, the CDS said that none of them could actually inflict any damage to Indian military or civilian infrastructure.
“Most of them were neutralised through a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic means. Some of them could be recovered in almost intact conditions,” General Chauhan said.
Drawing attention towards the global conflicts, General Chauhan also said that it has shown the capabilities of drones to “shift tactical balance disproportionately” despite their size or price. “Drones are proof of reality, and their widespread utility in recent conflicts demonstrates how drones can shift tactical balance disproportionately to their size or price,” he said.
“Asymmetric drone warfare is making large platforms vulnerable and driving militaries to rethink the conceptual aspects of air doctrines, development of C-UAS and adaptive moves of engagement.”
“Operation Sindoor has shown us as to why indigenously developed UAS, C-UAS built for our terrain and our needs are crucial,” he went on to add.