Singapore: Indian Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan Warns About Emerging Warfare Trends at Shangri-La Dialogue
In Singapore, Indian Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan participated in a high-level roundtable at the prestigious Shangri-La Dialogue, which brought together defence chiefs from across the globe. The event focused on evolving global security challenges, technological advancements in warfare, and collaborative solutions to counter emerging threats.
Defence chiefs from countries including Australia, France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, the UK, and the USA took part in this significant Asia-Pacific security summit.
General Chauhan highlighted the shifting dynamics of modern warfare, emphasizing that wars of the future will be shaped by a combination of geopolitical factors and rapid technological innovations. He noted that modern technology has placed immense power in the hands of non-state actors, facilitating proxy wars and creating global instability.
He outlined four major trends that will define future conflicts:
- Proliferation of sensors – increasing surveillance and intelligence-gathering capabilities.
- Long-range hypersonic and precision strike weapons – enabling faster and more accurate attacks.
- Autonomous systems – such as drones and unmanned vehicles that can operate independently.
- AI, Machine Learning, Large Language Models (LLMs), and Quantum technologies – all of which will redefine the battlefield by enhancing decision-making, intelligence analysis, and cyber capabilities.
General Chauhan warned that these advancements, while beneficial in defence, can also be misused, especially when they fall into the hands of unregulated or hostile entities. He stressed the importance of responsible use of technology and international cooperation in maintaining security.
He also spoke about India’s progress in developing a robust domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem, in collaboration with the private sector. This approach aims to meet operational needs while aligning with local conditions and national priorities.
By sharing India’s strategic outlook and its commitment to modernising defence capabilities, General Chauhan emphasized the country’s growing role on the global stage.
The Shangri-La Dialogue served as a platform for countries to engage in critical conversations about shared security threats and the need for joint strategies. General Chauhan’s speech highlighted India’s forward-thinking approach and its readiness to adapt to the rapidly changing nature of warfare, making it a key player in international defence discourse.
