In a significant move aligned with the Centre's push for defence modernisation, the Indian Army has executed one of its most substantial transformations to counter contemporary threats. This overhaul includes creating a vast pool of over one lakh drone operatives across the force, a critical skill for future conflicts.
The Rise of the Bhairav Special Force
The cornerstone of this transformation is the creation of the 'Bhairav' battalions, a new breed of Special Forces. Designed to address the demands of modern hybrid warfare, every operative in these units is trained to expertly handle drones and deploy them in real operations for targeting enemy bases and formations deep inside hostile territory.
A recent visit to a newly raised Bhairav battalion in the desert sector under the Southern Command revealed troops, handpicked from Infantry regiments, undergoing rigorous special training. The Army Headquarters has raised these battalions, incorporating lessons from global and India's own conflicts, to provide a dedicated force for high-speed, offensive operations at multiple levels.
Bridging the Gap and Expanding Reach
The Indian Army has already established around 15 of these Bhairav battalions, deploying them to various formations across both borders. Plans are in place to raise approximately 25 such units in the near future. These battalions are strategically positioned to bridge the operational gap between the elite Para Special Forces and regular Infantry units, tasked with executing special operations from tactical to operational depths.
"Modern warfare is changing at a very rapid pace. The conflicts of today are hybrid in nature, and one needs to be fully equipped with modern technology," the Commanding Officer of the 2 Bhairav Battalion told ANI. He emphasized that the Bhairav units are a product of force restructuring, born from new operational requirements and a fresh thought process.
Desert Falcons: Sons of the Soil
The desert Bhairav battalion, also known as the 'Desert Falcons,' exemplifies this new approach. Its Commanding Officer explained that the unit is built on the 'Sons of the Soil' concept, with a majority of troops hailing from Rajasthan. This ensures innate understanding of the local terrain, language, and weather. "The battalion has been built upon the legacy of the valour and gallantry of Rajanghan, and that is our biggest strength," he stated.
He described Bhairav as a technology-driven system capable of independent, multi-domain operations. The battalions have trained intensely for the last five months, successfully validating their capabilities during the 'Exercise Akhand Prahar' in the presence of Southern Army Commander Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth.
The force is evolving into a "Swift, Capable and Decisive" element of the Southern Command and the wider Indian Army. Their prowess will be on display at the Army Day Parade in Jaipur on January 15, where the 2 Bhairav (Desert Falcons) will participate.
Broader Restructuring: The Rudra Brigades
The creation of the Bhairav battalions is part of a larger, comprehensive force restructuring. The Army has also established 'Rudra Brigades,' which are all-arms combat formations. These brigades integrate:
- Infantry
- Mechanised units and tanks
- Artillery
- Special Forces
- Unmanned Aerial Systems (drones)
All supported by dedicated logistics and combat units. Concurrently, the Artillery, Mechanised Infantry, and Armoured Corps are being equipped with modern warfare tools like drones to perform their roles with greater efficiency.
This sweeping modernisation, spearheaded by the drone-enabled Bhairav battalions, marks a decisive step by the Indian Army to future-proof its forces and maintain a decisive edge in the rapidly evolving landscape of global security.
