Future wars to be non-contact: CDS on Operation Sindoor

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, referring to India’s experience in Operation Sindoor, described it as a “non-contact” conflict, exemplifying the future of war.

The CDS was speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue on Saturday, where he highlighted how India relied on indigenous systems like Akash, achieving success through effective system networking by integrating both domestic and foreign radars into a cohesive defence structure.

He said, “Modern warfare is undergoing a complex convergence -- of tactics, domains (land, air, sea, cyber and space), timeframes and strategies. This evolution demands a shift away from large static platforms toward flexible, deceptive strategies. Network-centric warfare, where integration and automation across domains are critical, is becoming the new norm.”

Regarding cyber operations, the CDS mentioned that they played a limited role. While there were some denial-of-service attacks, India’s air-gapped military systems remained secure. Public platforms faced minor disruptions, but operational systems were unaffected, he told think-tanks.

General Chauhan said the key to modern warfare was in networking — real-time integration across air, land, sea and cyber domains. Advanced technologies, he stressed, were only as effective as the networks they’re connected to.

Addressing the challenge of disinformation during wartime, the CDS revealed that 15 per cent of operational time was spent countering fake narratives, underscoring the need for a dedicated information warfare vertical. India’s strategy prioritised fact-based communication, even if it meant slower responses.

India’s focus on indigenous platforms, such as Akash, and self-reliant networking infrastructure had proven successful. A key achievement was the integration of diverse radars into a unified air defence system, he added.