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CDS Chauhan emphasised that any strategy for warfare was largely derived from geography, but now the element of technology has overshadowed geographical importance.
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan addressing at event at Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA).
As the country reels from a deadly explosion near the Red Fort Metro Station in Delhi, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Anil Chauhan offered his take on the evolving nature of modern warfare, saying there are no runner-ups or silver medals in war, and only victory matters.
Speaking at an event at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA) on Tuesday, he said, “War is all about winning. There are no runners-up in war. There are no silver medals for the valiant efforts or consolation prizes for very brave attempts. This harsh reality has been driving military commanders throughout ages to seek every possible advantage over their adversaries.”
“The stakes in any kind of conflict are always high and the very fate of nations or survival of nations depends upon that. Warfare and winning in warfare are basically dependent on strategy – that is the art of the journey,” the CDS said.
#WATCH | Delhi: CDS Gen Anil Chauhan says, “War is all about winning. There are no runners-up in war. There are no silver medals for the valiant efforts or consolation prizes for very brave attempts. This harsh reality has been driving military commanders throughout ages to seek… pic.twitter.com/7X7KYD6SoH— ANI (@ANI) November 11, 2025
Growing Role Of Technology In Warfare
CDS Chauhan emphasised that any strategy for warfare was largely derived from geography, but now the element of technology has overshadowed geographical importance.
“In ancient and medieval times, terrain influenced the tactics which were adopted. Geography played an important role in deciding the outcome of battles, campaigns, and conflicts and commanders who understood geography were always able to use it for their own benefit,” he said.
“Commanders who understood geography were always able to use it for their own benefit. Technology started influencing the outcome of battle significantly after the invention of gunpowder. From the discovery of gunpowder to the invention of the telegraph, tanks, aircraft, and nuclear arsenal-all this impacted tactics and strategy,” he said,
He also used the example of Nazi Germany’s ‘Blitzkrieg’ tactic during WWII as the first instance of technology overtaking geography, adding that the world is now witnessing the “third revolution in military affairs”, which he termed “convergence warfare”.
AI, Automation In Warfare
Explaining the impact of modern technology on battlefields, the CDS also noted that, “The number of sensors which provide information today of the battlefield to a commander is phenomenal. This is leading to absolute battlefield transparency and a very high degree of situational awareness.”
He also elaborated on the role of artificial intelligence and automation in combat, saying that future wars could solely take place between machines, and human brainpower was being supplemented by AI to take faster decisions than the enemy.
General Chauhan also spoke on the growing importance of the space domain in future wars. “Space has transformed from a support domain to a decisive battlefield,” he said.
(with inputs from ANI)
Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international…Read More
Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international… Read More
November 11, 2025, 18:15 IST
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