The Indian Army is undergoing a major transformation, which will make it even more lethal to its adversaries. The Indian Army is set for another milestone with the specialised Bhairav Light Combat Battalions and Ashni drone platoons. Plans are underway to bring 25 such battalions into operation within the next six months.
The military’s first set is ready for deployment on November 1. Director General Infantry, Lt Gen Ajay Kumar, on Wednesday, said that the battalions would “bridge the gap between Special Forces and normal infantry battalions.”
In July, the Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi had for the first time mentioned the induction of the Bhairav Commandos as part of a larger restructuring of the infantry. And ahead of Shaurya Diwas, formerly known as Infantry Day, observed on October 27, Lt Gen Ajay Kumar spoke of the plans to induct them into the Indian Army.
He described the Bhairav Battalion as a ‘lean and mean’ force for rapid, high-impact operations along India’s borders with China and Pakistan. Each Bhairav battalion will consist of 250 personnel from different arms, including signals, infantry, air defence, and artillery. Five Bhairav battalions are ready, while four more are currently in the process of being raised.
It will provide a lean and lethal force for fast-paced and result-driven actions along the borders with China and Pakistan. The Director General also mentioned that the Indian Army is raising Ashni drone platoons in its infantry battalions to be used for different purposes – surveillance, kamikaze, and loitering munitions roles. While 380 Fire platoons are already functional, the Indian Army is set to advance its drone warfare capabilities to another level.
