Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan stated on Saturday that future conflicts will be fought across multiple domains, including land, sea, air, cyberspace, and cognitive warfare. He made these remarks while inaugurating the NIBE Defence Manufacturing Complex in Shirdi, Maharashtra, describing the city as an emerging hub for defence manufacturing and technological innovation.
Multi-Domain Warfare
Addressing the inauguration ceremony, General Chauhan emphasized that modern warfare is rapidly evolving beyond conventional manpower and platform-centric operations. Technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, drones, and cyber systems are shaping the battlefield of the future. He said, "Future wars will be multi-domain where land, sea, cyberspace, cognitive warfare, and air will operate together."
He further added that future battlefields will no longer be confined to geographical spaces. "The battlefield of today will no longer be limited to a geographical space, but information networks, digital ecosystems, cyber infrastructure, and data environments will also become part of this battle space," he explained.
Strategic Advantage Through Technology
General Chauhan highlighted that technological innovation, speed, and adaptability will determine strategic advantage in future conflicts. "Artificial Intelligence, robotics, cyber systems, drones, autonomous platforms, space technologies, precision strike weapons, and information dominance are giving a decisive shape to the battlefield of the future," he noted.
Shirdi as a Defence Hub
Speaking about the newly inaugurated defence manufacturing facility, the CDS remarked that Shirdi, long associated with spirituality and faith, would now also gain recognition for industrial and defence growth. "The city of Shirdi is known across the country for faith and spirituality. But from today onwards, this city will also be known as a hub of defence manufacturing, industrial growth, technological innovation, and national security. This is truly a wonderful confluence of faith and future technology," he said.
India's Defence Production Growth
Highlighting India’s defence production capabilities, General Chauhan noted that domestic defence manufacturing has reached nearly Rs 1.27 lakh crore, while defence exports have crossed Rs 38,000 crore. Indian-made defence products are now exported to more than 100 countries. He described Nibe Limited as an example of the growing confidence in India’s private defence sector, pointing to the company’s work in missile systems, ammunition, autonomous platforms, and emerging technologies.
Call to Young Innovators
The CDS urged young engineers and innovators to contribute towards building a "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India). "The future belongs to those who create change. You are the power of India. You are the architects of Viksit Bharat," he said.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis were also present at the inauguration ceremony in Shirdi.
