Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan inaugurated the NIBE Defence Manufacturing Complex in Shirdi on May 23, 2026, and stated that future wars would be fought across multiple domains including land, sea, air, cyberspace, and cognitive warfare. He emphasized that modern warfare is rapidly evolving with technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, robotics, drones, and cyber systems reshaping future battlefields.
War Beyond Geographical Boundaries
General Chauhan highlighted that conflicts would no longer remain limited to geographical boundaries. Digital networks, cyber infrastructure, and information systems are now integral parts of warfare. He stressed the need for a 'Whole-Of-Nation Approach' to address these emerging challenges effectively.
India's Growing Defence Capabilities
Pointing to India's progress, Chauhan noted that domestic defence production has reached nearly Rs 1.27 lakh crore, while exports have crossed Rs 38,000 crore. He described Shirdi as an emerging hub for defence manufacturing, technological innovation, and national security. The NIBE Defence Manufacturing Complex is expected to boost local production and contribute to India's self-reliance in defence.
The Chief of Defence Staff urged stakeholders to collaborate across sectors to build a resilient defence ecosystem capable of countering threats in the cyber and cognitive domains. He called for increased investment in research and development to stay ahead in the technological arms race.
