General Chauhan: AI and Innovation to Shape Future Warfare

Ranchi -  At the East Tech Symposium 2025 in Ranchi, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan called artificial intelligence and advanced technology the backbone of India’s future defence strategy.

Highlighting that future conflicts will be fought not just with guns and missiles but also in cyberspace and outer space, he urged India to prepare for these new frontiers. “AI and other cutting-edge innovations will determine the outcomes of future wars,” he said, emphasising the need to strengthen defence manufacturing in step with technological shifts.

General Chauhan stressed that India must align its R&D with global geopolitical realities to remain ahead. He admitted that the journey to self-reliance began late but affirmed that the nation is now making structured progress.

He also linked the need for defence growth with the government’s Act East Policy, calling for Jharkhand, West Bengal, and other eastern states to play a bigger role in building a resilient defence ecosystem.

“Warfare is both science and art,” Chauhan observed, noting that today’s soldier must be as innovative as they are disciplined. He urged defence experts, startups, and technologists to drive innovation to make India a defence powerhouse.

The symposium, inaugurated by Jharkhand Governor Santosh Gangwar and Chief Minister Hemant Soren, aims to foster collaboration between the armed forces, industry, and academia. Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth was the special guest.

With inputs from IANS