India’s Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS) hosted a high-level seminar on “UAS Warfare with Special Focus on Counter-UAS” on March 10 in New Delhi. General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), delivered the keynote address, emphasising the transformative impact of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) in modern warfare.
Gen Chauhan highlighted the key trends, including robotics advancements and AI-driven intelligence, which are exploited by UAS, making them highly disruptive. Referencing present day conflicts, he underscored how drones are reshaping warfare economics with low-cost, high-impact solutions. He noted the importance of establishing a common vocabulary and grammar on UAS by the Indian Armed Forces. Stressing doctrinal clarity in UAS classification, he outlined four generations of UAS and the need for developing holistic C-UAS systems. He also called for synergy between users, designers, and manufacturers, ensuring India’s self-reliant defence future.
The seminar also highlighted India’s progress in drone warfare, with a focus on indigenous development and self-reliance under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. The event facilitated high-level discussions on a national approach to countering drone threats, including legal frameworks, electronic warfare advancements, and multi-domain unmanned systems.
Industry presented C-UAS systems and defence experts provided in-depth analysis on India’s drone requirements, AI integration in drone warfare, and key lessons from ongoing global conflicts. Meanwhile, discussions focused on the increasing manifestation of drone threats along India’s northern and western borders, as well as in the Indian Ocean Region, highlighting the need for advanced detection and neutralisation systems.
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