CDS Chauhan urges swift tech adoption and defence reforms amid evolving warfare

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan underscored the imperative for rapid adaptation to disruptive technologies, restructuring outdated frameworks, and enhancing jointness among the three services to effectively address the complexities of modern, evolving warfare.

He was addressing at the inaugural edition of the Annual Trident Lecture Series on the theme “Dominating the Future Battlespace”, organised by the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS) to mark its Foundation Day, at Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt. on Tuesday (August 5, 2025).

The lecture series acts as an annual forum for critical reflection, strategic foresight and policy innovation, aimed at addressing the evolving dynamics of warfare and national defence.

The CDS urged military practitioners to embrace a proactive, indigenous and adaptive vision anchored in strategic foresight, technological autonomy and doctrinal agility. He articulated the need to craft an uniquely ‘Indian way of war-fighting’ with the fusion of kinetic and non-kinetic capabilities, combined with bold doctrinal shift towards integrated & multi-domain operations.

The CDS emphasised on blending ‘conventional and unconventional tools of warfare’ to achieve decisive outcomes. This forward-looking approach, he noted, would be vital to navigate the complexities of future conflicts and ensure enduring national security.

The event was attended by senior defence leadership, strategic thinkers and scholars.

It also witnessed the formal release of the first General Bipin Rawat Paper on Manned-Unmanned Teaming, a tribute to India’s first CDS and his enduring legacy in shaping joint operational philosophy and transformative defence thinking.