'Third revolution': CDS Anil Chauhan warns about changing wars, says future belongs to smaller not bigger weapons

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on Tuesday said warfare is undergoing a major transformation and is now entering the “third revolution,” marked by the growing role of data, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and unmanned systems. He was speaking at a workshop on UAV and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) indigenisation held in New Delhi.

Chauhan said modern conflict is no longer defined by conventional force alone, but by how well data and technology are used. He stressed the need to rework military thinking, structures, and doctrines to stay prepared for the nature of future conflicts.

‘We are on the cusp of the third revolution’
Chauhan described the present shift in warfare as both evolutionary and revolutionary. “We are on the cusp of the third revolution which is data-centric warfare with the advances in AI, ML, data analytics and all,” he said.

He explained that evolutionary changes take place over time, such as the steady improvement in weapons making them lighter, faster, and cheaper. Revolutionary changes, on the other hand, fundamentally alter the character of warfare and demand a rethinking of how armed forces are organised and operate.

“Revolutionary change happens like the Ice Age—people need to adapt. If people are not used to evolutionary change, they go extinct,” he said, urging the need for innovation and imagination in responding to these shifts.

Drones at the centre of changing combat dynamics
Chauhan said drone technology is a clear example of how revolutionary shifts are impacting warfare. Though originally developed for civilian uses like transport and photography, drones have now become a force multiplier in military operations.

“Drones enable militaries to augment manned systems and conduct simultaneous operations across multiple domains with limited resources and minimal risk to human life,” he said.

Traditional airspace control is under pressure
According to Chauhan, drones are reshaping how airspace and battlefield superiority are understood. Swarm tactics, autonomous missions, and manned-unmanned teaming are posing new threats to established platforms.

“We must rethink conceptual aspects, counter-UAS tactics, and rules of engagement,” he said.

He also observed that airspace is being redefined. “We once believed air superiority belonged to manned aircraft operating from the ground up to 60,000 feet. With the advent of ballistic and hypersonic missiles, including cruise and guided variants, near-space has now become part of the combat domain,” he said.

He added that the airspace below 15,000 feet is now highly congested due to the widespread use of drones. “This space requires special treatment and understanding, as it is where most combat is now taking place. We need to develop UAV systems to harness this space, and counter-UAS systems to deny it to the enemy,” Chauhan said.

Lessons from the field and role of satellites
Chauhan highlighted Operation Sindoor as a case where India successfully countered drone threats. “Some were even recovered in intact condition,” he said, adding that Pakistani drones failed to cause any harm to military or civilian infrastructure.

He also underlined how low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites are enhancing UAV effectiveness by improving their communication and navigation capabilities.

Preparing for the future battlefield
Chauhan concluded by calling for a broad approach to future warfare. He said the response to the third revolution in warfare must include the development of unmanned systems, strong counter-drone capabilities, and deep integration of data and AI-driven technologies.