CDS Anil Chauhan: 'Guns and Butter' Can Complement Each Other Through Smart Procurement

• CDS General Anil Chauhan stated that defence expenditure can contribute to national revenue, employment, and industrialization, reconciling the 'guns and butter' debate.
• Domestic defence procurements, which incur 18% GST, generate revenue and employment, marking a strategic shift.
• Sustained 8% GDP growth and low inflation are projected to support modernization plans, with a 10% year-on-year budget increase.
• General Chauhan highlighted a 'third revolution in military affairs' focused on convergence, intelligent, and data-centric warfare.
• The CDS clarified his operational role as permanent chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee and in emerging warfare domains (space, cyber, cognitive, electromagnetic), not through direct military command.

Why It Matters: CDS Chauhan advocates smart defence procurement to boost economy, emphasizing domestic sourcing and evolving warfare strategies.