CDS General Calls for Tech Synergy and Structural Reform at Inaugural Trident Lecture Series

The event united India’s top defence leadership, strategic analysts, and scholars to deliberate on the theme: “Dominating the Future Battlespace.”

The rapidly evolving nature of modern warfare demands constant adaptation, innovation, and collaboration across the armed forces. This was the resounding message delivered by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan at the inaugural Annual Trident Lecture Series, hosted by the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS) on its Foundation Day, August 5, 2025, at the Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantonment. The event united India’s top defence leadership, strategic analysts, and scholars to deliberate on the theme: “Dominating the Future Battlespace.”

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Technology and Jointness: Pillars of National Security

In his keynote address, General Chauhan urged the Indian military establishment to swiftly embrace disruptive technologies, re-examine legacy structures, and place a premium on seamless synergy across the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The CDS emphasized that the future of warfare will be defined by technological convergence and integrated operations, and that only a unified, future-ready force can ensure India’s national security amid rising regional and global complexities.

He stated, “Technological disruptions are the new constant, and we must adapt with agility. The convergence of artificial intelligence, robotics, cyber capabilities, and unmanned systems is reshaping battlefields. Our strength lies not just in possessing these technologies but in integrating them across services and leveraging their combined potential.”

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Honouring a Legacy: The General Bipin Rawat Paper

A poignant moment in the event was the release of the inaugural General Bipin Rawat Paper on Manned-Unmanned Teaming. This publication honours India’s first CDS, General Bipin Rawat, and his transformative influence on joint operational philosophy and defence reforms. The paper explores the dynamic interplay between manned and unmanned platforms—drones, robotics, and autonomous vehicles—offering fresh insights on their role in modern joint operations.

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Launch of the August 2025 ‘Synergy’ Journal

The event also marked the release of the August 2025 edition of Synergy, CENJOWS’ flagship journal. The issue features in-depth articles on emerging strategic trends, new paradigms in military leadership, and the implications of technology for defence policy. By curating critical thought leadership, Synergy serves as an intellectual platform for shaping future doctrine and policy innovation in the defence sector.

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Critical Dialogues: Reform and Indigenous Thought

The Trident Lecture Series featured two seminal talks by senior defence leaders:

• Chief of Integrated Defence Staff: Delivered a powerful address on the “Urgency in Tri-Services Reforms,” laying out both the timelines and institutional steps necessary to implement meaningful structural changes. The talk emphasized that genuine transformation requires speed, resolve, and unity of purpose across the services.

• Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Doctrine, Organisation and Training): Spoke on “Imbibing Indian Heritage Statecraft in Future Warfighting.” This thought-provoking lecture examined how India’s ancient civilizational wisdom, strategic thinking, and historic statecraft can offer valuable perspectives for contemporary and future military challenges.

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A Forum for Strategic Foresight and Innovation

The Annual Trident Lecture Series, envisioned as a flagship platform, is set to become a crucible for critical reflection, strategic foresight, and policy innovation. It provides senior leaders, defence scholars, and practitioners a forum to explore the challenges and opportunities in the evolving battlespace—fostering doctrinal advances, technological adoption, and greater jointness in national defence.

General Chauhan concluded by reiterating the urgency for continuous transformation: “Future conflicts will not wait for us to catch up. Our edge must come from anticipating threats, adapting swiftly, and integrating our strengths—human and technological—to dominate tomorrow’s battlespace.”

As India faces a shifting security environment, marked by technological upheaval and hybrid threats, forums like the Trident Lecture Series are vital for cultivating a culture of innovation, jointness, and strategic clarity. By celebrating the legacy of leaders like General Bipin Rawat and focusing on cutting-edge discourse, CENJOWS continues to guide the evolution of India’s defence strategy and operational art for the challenges ahead.