Latest news with #Bhairav
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Indian Army's 'Rudra' all-arms brigades reflect change, not rehash
While building on earlier initiatives such as the Integrated Battle Group concept, experts emphasise that the shift should be recognised as a distinct evolution Bhaswar Kumar New Delhi Listen to This Article The Indian Army's reorganisation into new frontline formations — the 'Rudra' all-arms brigades, 'Bhairav' light commando battalions, and 'Shaktibaan' artillery regiments — marks the latest stage in a two-decade effort to reshape land warfare. This aims to shorten the interval between political decision-making and military action, and to respond to the 'new normal' established by Operation Sindoor and doctrinal changes by China's People's Liberation Army (PLA). While building on earlier initiatives such as the Integrated Battle Group (IBG) concept, experts stress this is a distinct evolution — aligning force structure, technology, logistics, command and control, and doctrine to create an
The Diplomat
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Diplomat
The Indian Army's Pakistan-Centric Restructuring
Following the four-day conflict between India and Pakistan in May, the Indian army has initiated numerous reforms to enhance the operational efficacy of its combat units. The reorganization did not happen all at once, but it is an extension of the decisions made during the tenure of former Chief General Manoj Pande. The announcement of new amendments to the existing force infrastructure at the lower echelon indicates that the Indian Army is boosting its capability to conduct proactive cross-border land incursions while retaining the element of surprise. This demands enhanced vigilance from Islamabad as the restructuring of combat units is specifically designed for launching strikes along Pakistan's borders. The Indian army chief announced several new initiatives to reorganize the ground force's structure and to integrate additional firepower into existing units. One change is establishing a new all-arms brigade concept called 'Rudra.' The Rudra brigade is an upgraded version of the Integrated Battle Group (IBG), equipped with modern weapons and a redesigned formation to address current battlefield demands. Similar to the IBG model, it consolidates all warfighting and support units (infantry, mechanized infantry, armor, artillery, special forces, and drone units, supported by tailor-made logistics) into one formation to improve operational efficiency. Two brigades deployed in the border area have been converted into Rudra so far, and they will have independent logistics and combat support elements. Besides Rudra brigades, the Indian Army has established new 'Bhairav Light Commando Battalions,' a specialized unit with advanced weapons and sensors to shock the enemy, as illustrated by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi. The army's higher command has ordered infantry regimental centers to start raising Bhairav battalions, so that the initial units can be ready for deployment in less than a month. These new battalions will be equipped with Mahindra Armado Light Specialist Vehicles (LSV), which are already operational with troops stationed along India's northern and western borders as of May 2025. The Mahindra LSV is an all-terrain vehicle that can be used for various tasks, including rapid troop deployment to remote locations, bunker busting missions, and anti-tank roles. The Indian Defense Ministry signed a contract with the Mahindra group to procure 1300 LSVs in 2021, with the first deliveries beginning in 2023. The LSV can carry six ready-to-fire anti-tank missiles. In addition, it can also be integrated with 81mm and 120 mm vehicle-mounted mortar systems, which can destroy targets beyond 5 km and 8.2 km, respectively. On the small arms side, the soldiers will have newly inducted AK-203 and Sig-716 assault rifles, equipped with night vision devices. The Bhairav concept is an extended version of the Ghatak platoon. According to Indian media sources, the Bhairav units will have around 250 personnel, less than regular infantry battalions in the Indian Army, consisting of around 800 troops. Currently, each infantry battalion of the Indian army has one Ghatak platoon, consisting of 20 soldiers, specializing in special operations. This indicates that the army wants to increase the number of troops for special operation missions, for which the new Bhairav battalions are being raised. This is part of India's broader strategy to enhance its capability to conduct pre-emptive cross-border actions. They are likely to conduct raids on the adversary's artillery gun positions, destroying the adversary's bunker along the Line of Control (LOC), sabotaging forward fuel and ammunition dumps, and acting as a spearhead for newly formed Rudra brigades by clearing the immediate obstacles, such as forward defensive posts of the adversary. As their role is to conduct pre-emptive cross-border strikes, given the vast length of India's borders and the number of soldiers in each battalion, at least 40-50 battalions are expected to be raised soon. Moreover, the Indian army chief revealed that each infantry battalion will have a drone platoon to improve battlefield situational awareness. According to media reports, the newly announced drone platoons will be equipped with First-Person-View (FPV) and other surveillance drones. Twenty to 30 soldiers are expected to run the designated drone unit. The army has been operating surveillance drones for quite some time; however, units have also started inducting the indigenously developed FPV drones with an anti-tank payload. This initiative will enhance the land force's ability to see beyond the horizon on the battlefield, conduct ISR missions independently, and target the adversary's stationary and moving platforms. Army artillery regiments will also undergo restructuring, which includes using drones for target identification and acquisition in each battery. The army has begun training its soldiers to employ drones for target acquisition in the School of Artillery at Deolali. They will also have counter-drone systems, most probably soft kill systems within the artillery regiments to neutralize drones. The indigenously developed D-4 anti-drone system by DRDO is likely to be transferred to the newly established Shaktiban regiments. In addition, the army will also raise new special batteries under the ambit of an artillery regiment, known as Divyastra, housing loitering missiles of different types and ranges. In the early phase, Nagrasta-I loitering munitions are expected to be inducted in Divyastra batteries. The reorganization is part of the Indian Army's strategy to instill confidence in the political leadership that it can still conduct cross-border surgical strikes at a moment's notice. In the recent confrontation with Pakistan, the political leadership gave a leading role to the Indian Air Force for carrying out strikes. The introduction of new warfighting units like Rudra, Bhairav, Divyastra, and Shaktiban is a means to influence the political leadership, indicating that the army has the capability to conduct operations at the lower echelon, using forces and equipment deployed close to the borders, therefore not losing the element of surprise, which remains cardinal in regards to the launching of pre-emptive strikes. These initiatives will require some time before becoming operational. The reforms are not only structural changes within the Indian Army, but also meant to increase the units' warfighting capabilities. They are intended to augment the ground force's ability to launch surprise strikes across the border promptly. This will provide New Delhi with additional options in the future, if it decides to launch a pre-emptive strike against Islamabad. Therefore, Pakistani decision-makers should view this development as an emerging threat and take appropriate actions at the operational level to nullify the advantage that the Indian Army seeks to achieve.
The Wire
10-08-2025
- Politics
- The Wire
Rudra, Bhairav, Shaktibaan: Army's Mythology-Infused Brigades Revive an Old War Plan in New Garb
Security Rahul Bedi Unveiled with fanfare and Sanskritised names, the Army's new frontline formations promise speed, autonomy and high-tech punch. Yet beneath the political symbolism and mythological flourish lies a rebranding of the long-stalled Integrated Battle Group concept – with many of its old doctrinal and logistical hurdles still unresolved. In this image released by @adgpi on X on July 28, 2025, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi during a visit at headquarters of Fire and Fury Corps and Siachen Brigade to review the operational preparedness of the formation, in Leh, Ladakh. Photo: X/@adgpi/PTI. Chandigarh: The Indian Army's (IAs) proposed frontline formations – Rudra, Bhairav and Shaktibaan – recently unveiled by Chief of Staff General Upendra Dwivedi and named after Hindu mythological figures, reflect more continuity with earlier, abandoned schemes than with any meaningful doctrinal shift. For beyond their Indic monikers, these formations amount to little more than a conceptual reboot of the old Integrated Battle Group (IBG) idea, first floated in 2019 by former Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, who later became India's first Chief of Defence Staff . Wrapped in symbolism, the all-arms offensive Rudra ('destruction') brigades – two of which already exist – comprising infantry, armour, artillery, engineers, and signals units , for rapid thrusts into enemy territory, were announced by Gen. Dwivedi on Kargil Vijay Diwas in Drass on July 26. According to official sources, each of the proposed Rudra brigades of around 3,000-odd personnel were envisaged as self-sufficient units, capable of autonomously launching high-intensity, short-duration warfare, along India's northern and western unsettled borders. Evoking aggression and spiritual symbolism, these Rudra formations were thus named to blend Hindu mythology with modern day military intent. What's new? Unveiled some 10 weeks after hostilities with Pakistan were paused under Operation Sindoor, the Bhairav ('ferocious') light commando battalions were also introduced by Gen. Dwivedi as shock-and-awe units, likely tailored for urban warfare and close-quarter combat. Also announced were Shaktibaan ('divine power') artillery formations, augmented by Divyastra ('precision') surveillance UAVs, drone batteries, and loitering munitions to enhance hi-tech lethality. The Bhairav units appear to be scaled-up versions of Ghatak platoons – 20 to 30-man assault teams within regular infantry battalions – tasked with reconnaissance and behind-the-lines operations. Yet, beyond their fierce branding, little has been disclosed about the Bhairav formations, leaving their structure, role and doctrine somewhat opaque. The proposed Shaktibaan brigades, equipped with precision artillery and assorted ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) unmanned aerial systems, were intended for rapid cross-border strikes. Significantly, they are expected to include cyber and electronic warfare units, marking a departure from legacy structures where artillery and ISR were traditionally considered 'support' elements. In Shaktibaan, these become the primary strike instruments in a digital-first battlespace. Also read: From 'Samudraraja' to 'Garuda Nayak', Imagining BJP's Vision of an 'Atmanirbhar', Sanskritised Military Furthermore, at Shaktibaan's core is the Divyastra unit – an integrated precision strike and drone warfare element, combining loitering munitions, swarm drones, and real-time targeting capability. Divyastra is designed for fast, disruptive attacks against enemy assets, including suppression of air defences and logistical hubs, all the while limiting troop exposure much like what transpired during Op Sindoor. IBGs Official sources said no fresh recruitments were planned for these aforementioned units. Instead, select units from the Army's existing pool of 250-odd single-arm brigades would be reorganised and repurposed into these broader, multi-arm structures, without expanding manpower. Gen. Dwivedi's unveiling of these 'Sanskritised' operational units marks a formal revival of the long-stalled IBGs originally conceived under the Army's 'Cold Start' doctrine. Designed for swift, limited offensives against Pakistan without triggering full-scale war, the doctrine gained traction after the 2001-2o02 Operation Parakram standoff, sparked by the terrorist attack on India's parliament building which New Delhi blamed on Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). IBGs, led by major general-rank officers, were envisioned as agile formations of 5,000-6,000 troops each, combining infantry, armour, air defence, logistics, and attack helicopters. Their goal was to compress the lag time between political decision and military action, enabling rapid punitive strikes under a nuclear overhang before the adversary could respond or escalate. The Army's revised 2018 Land Warfare Doctrine further refined the IBG concept, with Gen. Rawat advocating their deployment across both the Pakistani and Chinese fronts, but the project remained mired in doctrinal disagreements and bureaucratic inertia. Also Read: No Takers for Modi's Plan to 'Decolonise' Navy by Introducing Kurta-Pyjama in Dress Code One of its most contentious proposals was the scrapping of the brigadier rank – an idea that faced stiff resistance from within the Army. Gen. Rawat also sidestepped a more pressing issue: the chronic lack of funding needed to operationalise these ambitious formations. Strategic agility, it turned out, was easier to theorise than to finance. Despite these limitations, the IBGs were formally validated in 2019 after multiple field exercises. But implementation soon stalled, due to defence ministry sluggishness, logistical ambiguity and doctrinal friction among various Army commands. The broader shift envisioned by Cold Start theorists never took root – until it was resurrected last week, rebranded in mythological garb as Rudra. What of Rawat's proposal? Tellingly, these new brigades are to be led by brigadier-rank officers, whose status remains intact, reversing Rawat's controversial proposal. Rudra's nomenclature – like the other associated 'Sanskritised' formations and systems – also echoes the BJP government's broader drive to 'decolonise' Indian military traditions and assert a Hindutva-inflected national identity upon it. And, while the political packaging has changed, the underlying military structure remains unmistakably IBG in design. What differentiates Rudra from its predecessor remains vague. Army brass describes it as an 'upgrade', while making no reference to the shelved IBG framework. They also maintain that over time, the Rudra brigades are expected to absorb advanced technologies – real-time ISR from drones, networked artillery, battlefield surveillance and high-speed communications – to speed-up the offensive kill chain and improve tactical autonomy. Strategically too, these innovations are eventually expected to align with the under-implementation vision of Integrated Theatre Commands under CDS Gen. Anil Chauhan. Yet, many of the challenges that scuttled the IBGs persist: doctrinal discord between commands, fractured logistics systems, patchy communication interoperability and unresolved air support coordination. Procurement delays – both indigenous and imported – of platforms and associated equipment only exacerbate these challenges. So the question remains: will the IA finally deliver on its promise of nimble, autonomous, integrated formations along its unresolved borders. Or will these mythologically named units – anointed with a tilak – become yet another repackaged slogan wrapped in political symbolism, to be unveiled once more with fanfare at a future Kargil Vijay Diwas by another Army chief with yet a new allegorical name? The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.
India.com
09-08-2025
- Politics
- India.com
The Wall of Rudra: Inside the Hi-Tech Fortress Guarding the LAC
(File) Rudra Brigade: India is transforming its military approach along the China border with an ambitious new strategy that promises to revolutionize frontier defense. The Indian Army's latest initiative involves deploying two technologically advanced military units known as 'Rudra brigades' – a development that signals a significant shift toward modern, integrated warfare capabilities. What Makes Rudra Brigades Special? Traditional military brigades typically focus on one specific role – either infantry operations, tank warfare, or artillery support. The Rudra brigades break this mold by combining multiple military capabilities under one umbrella. Think of them as a Swiss Army knife of military units, equipped to handle various combat scenarios simultaneously. Each Rudra brigade will integrate: – Infantry soldiers for ground combat – Mechanized units with armored vehicles – Tank divisions for heavy assault – Artillery support for long-range strikes – Special forces for precision operations – Drone squadrons for surveillance and attack – Independent logistics for self-sufficiency This multi-faceted approach allows commanders to respond quickly to different types of threats without waiting for reinforcements from specialized units stationed elsewhere. Strategic Positioning: Where and Why The two Rudra brigades will be strategically positioned in **eastern Ladakh** and **Sikkim** – both critical points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. These locations weren't chosen randomly; they represent some of the most strategically important and geographically challenging terrain along India's northern frontier. Eastern Ladakh gained international attention during the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, highlighting the need for robust military presence in the region. Sikkim, meanwhile, sits at the tri-junction of India, China, and Bhutan, making it a geopolitically sensitive area that requires constant vigilance. What truly sets these brigades apart is their emphasis on cutting-edge military technology: Named after the fierce Hindu deity, these light commando battalions represent the elite fighting edge of the Rudra brigades. Unlike the existing Ghatak platoons (small assault teams), Bhairav units are designed as full battalions capable of sustained special operations in harsh mountain terrain. Shaktibaan Artillery: The Long Arm These specialized artillery regiments focus on precision strikes using drones and 'loitering munitions' – sophisticated weapons that can hover over battlefields, identify targets, and strike with pinpoint accuracy. This technology gives Indian forces the ability to engage threats at considerable distances while minimizing collateral damage. Divyastra Air Defense: The Shield Perhaps the most innovative component, Divyastra batteries combine offensive and defensive capabilities. These units can shoot down enemy aircraft and drones while simultaneously launching their own drone attacks. This dual capability is crucial in modern warfare, where air superiority often determines ground battle outcomes. Why This Matters for India The Rudra brigade concept addresses several strategic challenges: Geographic Reality: The India-China border spans difficult mountain terrain where traditional military logistics face significant challenges. Self-contained brigades can operate more effectively in such environments. Modern Warfare Evolution: Today's conflicts increasingly involve drones, cyber warfare, and precision munitions. The Rudra brigades are designed from the ground up to excel in this new combat environment. Rapid Response Capability: By combining multiple military functions in single units, India can respond more quickly to border incidents without the delay of coordinating between different specialized brigades. **Cost Efficiency**: Rather than creating entirely new military units, the Army is reorganizing existing forces, making this transformation more economically sustainable. The Broader Military Transformation The Rudra brigades represent just one part of a comprehensive military modernization program that began in 2023. This initiative aims to make the Indian Army 'smaller, faster, and more modern' – a philosophy that reflects contemporary military thinking worldwide. The 2022 'Re-organisation and Rightsizing of the Indian Army' study provided the blueprint for these changes, recognizing that future conflicts will likely be shorter, more intense, and heavily dependent on technology rather than sheer numbers of soldiers. Challenges and Considerations Implementing such ambitious military reforms isn't without challenges: Training Complexity: Soldiers must now master multiple types of equipment and tactics, requiring extensive retraining programs. Integration Challenges: Combining different military specialties under one command structure demands new coordination protocols and communication systems. Maintenance and Logistics: Supporting diverse equipment types in remote mountain locations presents significant logistical challenges. Cost Management: While reorganizing existing units is more economical than creating new ones, the technological upgrades still require substantial investment. The Rudra brigades represent India's commitment to maintaining military readiness along its most sensitive borders while adapting to 21st-century warfare realities. As these units become fully operational over the coming months, they will likely serve as templates for similar modernization efforts along other parts of India's extensive border network. This military evolution reflects India's growing technological capabilities and its determination to protect national interests through modern, efficient defense strategies. For ordinary citizens, it represents a more secure future backed by a military that's prepared for contemporary challenges. The success of the Rudra brigade experiment could influence military thinking not just in India, but across the region, as other nations observe how integrated, technology-focused military units perform in challenging border environments. India's Rudra brigades signal a new chapter in border defense – one where technology, integration, and strategic thinking combine to create a more effective military presence. As these units take their positions along the LAC, they embody India's evolving approach to national security in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape. (The author, Girish Linganna is an award-winning science communicator and a Defence, Aerospace & Geopolitical Analyst. He is also the Managing Director of ADD Engineering Components India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. Contact: girishlinganna@ )
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
04-08-2025
- First Post
Op Sindoor impact: Indian Army to equip battalions with drones, anti-drone systems, says report
The Indian Army is set for a major transformation to modernise its combat capabilities, with plans to make drones and anti-drone systems standard equipment at the battalion level, says report. The revamp also includes raising new commando units, forming integrated brigades, and upgrading artillery systems. read more Indian Army soldiers participate in a mock drill exercise during the Army Day parade in New Delhi, India, January 15, 2016. File Image/Reuters The Indian Army is preparing for a sweeping transformation aimed at modernising its combat structure, with plans to integrate drones and anti-drone systems as standard equipment across most battalion-level units, The Indian Express reported. According to the report, the overhaul will also include the creation of light commando battalions, integrated 'Rudra' brigades, and specialised artillery units, all designed to meet the demands of future warfare, according to sources. Discussions around the reforms have been ongoing for months but gained momentum after Operation Sindoor, launched in May in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. Some changes are based on lessons drawn from that operation, says report. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Drones to be standard in frontline units Currently, drones are used in Army battalions but only as supplementary systems, often requiring personnel to be pulled away from their primary duties. The new plan is to form dedicated drone teams within each unit, including infantry, artillery, and armoured regiments, so that a trained group is solely responsible for operating UAVs and counter-UAV equipment. In infantry battalions, for example, surveillance drones will now be deployed even at platoon and company levels. This will require reorganising about 70 personnel per unit and reshuffling duties across fighting sections and support platoons. 30 Bhairav commando units to be raised The Army is also raising 30 light commando battalions, named Bhairav, each with around 250 soldiers. These specialised units will be trained for precision strikes and specific missions in assigned areas. Initial units are expected to be operational within a month, with infantry regimental centres already directed to begin recruitment and training. Formation of all-arms 'Rudra' brigades A key element of the restructuring is the formation of integrated Rudra brigades, independent combat groups that combine infantry, armour, artillery, UAVs, and logistics. These units will be capable of operating autonomously across various theatres and will be tailored for both conventional and hybrid warfare. Artillery gets next-gen boost In the artillery wing, the Army is considering adding two larger gun batteries and a third drone battery for surveillance and combat operations. Each artillery regiment currently has three batteries of six guns each. In addition, new Divyastra artillery batteries are being developed. These will feature long-range guns, loitering munitions, and anti-drone systems for both offensive and defensive operations. Mechanised forces also being reorganised The restructuring effort also includes the armoured and mechanised infantry arms, which are being redesigned to align with the Army's future warfighting doctrine. Some of these steps were publicly outlined by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi during the Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations on July 26.
