Overview Speaking at a national defence conclave in New Delhi on 12 March 2026 , Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari highlighted lessons from the ongoing West Asia conflict . He stressed the urgency of building a "very strong air defence" through expanded weapon systems, radars, cyber integration and a unified network architecture. Key Developments Cha​udhary advocated for a larger inventory of modern air defence assets and advanced radars. He proposed a national mesh network that links sensors, shooters and cyber platforms on a single grid. While acknowledging the growing role of drones , he warned against making them the sole pillar of future combat strategy. The conclave, hosted by the Bengaluru think‑tank Synergia , featured experts from India and neighbouring countries discussing the conflict’s impact on regional security. Important Facts The conclave, held at the Manekshaw Centre, ran from 11–13 March 2026 . Chaudhary’s keynote, titled "India’s multi‑domain air spine ", outlined three priority actions: Expand the number and variety of air defence platforms. Deploy additional long‑range and low‑altitude radars across the country. Integrate cyber capabilities and create a unified mesh network to ensure real‑time data sharing among services. UPSC Relevance Understanding Chaudhary’s recommendations is vital for GS‑III (Defence & Security) and GS‑II (Polity) aspirants. The emphasis on a network‑centric approach reflects India’s shift from platform‑centric to capability‑centric defence planning, a trend discussed in recent white papers. The role of drones in both the Ukraine and West Asia wars illustrates how technology alters conventional doctrines, a topic frequently asked in essay and answer‑type questions. Way Forward To translate Chaudhary’s vision into policy, the government may consider: Accelerating procurement of indigenous surface‑to‑air missile systems and phased‑array radars under the Make in India defence programme. Formulating a comprehensive National Air‑Space‑Cyber Integration Strategy that mandates joint training and interoperable communication standards. Investing in counter‑UAV technologies, such as directed‑energy weapons and electronic warfare suites, to mitigate low‑cost drone threats. Enhancing research collaborations between DRDO, ISRO and academic institutions to develop AI‑driven sensor fusion for the proposed mesh network . By adopting a holistic, multi‑domain air‑defence framework, India can better safeguard its airspace against emerging threats while maintaining strategic autonomy.