Speaking at a workshop on "Indigenisation of Critical Components Currently Being Imported from Foreign OEMs in the Areas of UAV & C-UAS' in the UAV and C-UAS sectors, Gen Chauhan said drones have proven capable of disproportionately shifting the tactical balance despite their size and cost

The CDS, in his keynote address at the inaugural session, said drones are proof of reality, and their widespread utility in recent conflicts demonstrates how drones can shift tactical balance disproportionately to their size or price

“Asymmetric drone warfare is exposing vulnerabilities of large platforms and forcing militaries to rethink air doctrines, counter-drone systems, and methods of engagement,” he said, stressing that Operation Sindoor has highlighted the critical importance of homegrown systems suited to India's terrain and operational needs

While discussing about the weakness due to dependence on foreign technologies he said, "Underlying the ethos of Atmanirbharta, Gen Chauhan asserted that "we cannot rely on imported niche technologies that are crucial for our offensive and defensive missions; we must invest, build and safeguard ourselves"

Military leaders, defence experts, scientists, policymakers and private industry representatives were in attendance at the event aimed to develop a "strategic roadmap" for indigenisation

In his address, CDS Chauhan emphasised the importance of technology in warfare and underlined the evolutionary phases through which rifles, guns, ammunition and other platforms have gone through to become smaller, more potent, and convenient to use

Operation Sindoor and the learnings from it were the focal points of this workshop, and in the first technical session, many speakers made a reference to it