Indian defence chief admits strategic failure in Op Sindoor, urges shift to modern weapons

After setbacks in recent military conflict with Pakistan, Indian security and defence officials have begun acknowledging critical shortcomings in the country’s combat preparedness. Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan admitted that India cannot win future wars with outdated weapons.

According to Indian media reports, General Chauhan stressed the urgent need for India to modernise its arsenal and reduce dependence on foreign-made weapons, many of which he said have proven ineffective and burdensome.

“We can’t win today’s warfare with yesterday’s weapon systems,” Chauhan remarked while addressing a workshop on UAV and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) indigenisation held in New Delhi on Wednesday.

The CDS further stated that India’s reliance on foreign technology has exposed serious vulnerabilities in its defence capabilities.

He also claimed that Indian forces had successfully neutralised loitering munitions and drones allegedly sent by Pakistan, adding,“None of these UAVs caused any damage to Indian military or civilian infrastructure.”

Read: COAS Asim Munir rejects Indian claims of Chinese support in recent military conflict

Chauhan stressed the need to develop both kinetic and non-kinetic countermeasures to counter aerial threats more effectively, asserting that drones could play a critical role in providing a tactical edge.

The remarks come amid growing concerns within India’s military establishment over operational shortcomings in recent conflicts with Pakistan.

Although Indian officials continue to claim that attacks were repelled, however they acknowledged serious failures, particularly in air combat and ground-based defence systems.

Calls to strengthen India’s domestic defence industry intensified after reports that French-made Rafale jets operated by Indian pilots were shot down by the Pakistan Air Force.

The incident renewed pressure on Indian authorities to shift focus towards indigenously developed weapons and technology