In a major step toward creating a more agile and combat-ready force, the Indian Army has begun raising the Bhairav Light Commando Battalions, specialised strike units designed to carry out rapid, high-impact operations along India’s northern and western borders.
The Bhairav units, currently being raised under the Army’s new Rudra all-arms brigade framework, are intended to serve as tactical shock forces capable of swift raids, demolition missions, and multi-domain operations in high-altitude and complex terrains.
At least five Bhairav battalions have been formed or are in advanced stages of formation, with the first deployments expected across the Northern, Eastern and Western Commands. Over the next few months, more battalions are expected to be added to meet operational requirements.
The concept for Bhairav battalions began evolving after India’s 2016 surgical strikes and took clearer shape following the 2020 border standoff with China. The Army’s doctrine studies under the Army Training Command (ARTRAC) identified the need for a lighter, faster commando-style force within the Integrated Battle Group (IBG) structure.
Unlike traditional infantry, artillery or armoured brigades, IBGs are modular, task-based formations that combine all combat arms and services, infantry, armour, artillery, engineers, and signals, under a single command for rapid deployment.
The Bhairav battalions will act as the commando component of these IBGs, allowing the Rudra Brigades to conduct specialised operations without external support from para-special forces.
“The Indian Army is shifting from a static defensive model to a proactive, technology-driven posture. These units will give formations the ability to act faster and harder at the tactical level,” a senior officer told The Economic Times.
Inside the structure and capabilities of Bhairav units
Each Bhairav battalion will consist of roughly 600–650 personnel, divided into four teams of around 120 soldiers each. The units are designed to be self-sufficient in communication, surveillance, and firepower.
According to initial reports, the battalions will be equipped with high-mobility light vehicles for rapid land insertion; small boats for waterborne operations; drone and loitering-munition systems for reconnaissance and precision targeting; mortars, machine guns, and ATGMs (anti-tank guided missiles) for direct fire support; and electronic warfare and ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) tools for battlefield awareness.
Unlike the Para (Special Forces), Bhairav units will not focus on airborne insertion. Instead, they will specialise in land and heliborne operations, including mountain warfare and sabotage missions across difficult terrain.
A detailed concept note reviewed by several defence analysts highlights that troops for these battalions are drawn from elite Ghatak Platoons across infantry regiments. Soldiers with distinguished (DS) grading in commando, mountain, or jungle warfare courses, and those who have served as instructors at institutions like the Infantry School, High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS), and Counter-Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School (CIJWS), are being selected for the initial cadre.
Training for the first batch reportedly lasted around two and a half months and included advanced modules conducted by experienced Para (SF) instructors.
Tactical role within India’s modernisation plan
While the Indian Army’s Para (Special Forces) units are integrated at the operational and strategic levels for deep-penetration and covert missions, the Bhairav battalions are expected to operate at the tactical level, closer to the frontlines.
During wartime, they would conduct rapid raids, disrupt enemy logistics and communication networks, and destroy fortifications as part of their assigned IBG.
“The Bhairav battalions are intended for high-tempo tactical action. They will work in sync with the Rudra Brigades, which combine mechanised, artillery and engineer elements to form a self-contained, battle-ready group,” an official familiar with the matter told The Indian Express.
This approach is expected to reduce the Army’s dependence on specialised Para units for every tactical raid and allow for greater flexibility in border engagements.
The Rudra brigades, announced by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi earlier this year, mark the next phase of force modernisation, combining traditional combat arms with new-age assets such as drones, long-range precision fires and electronic warfare systems.
“The Bhairav and Rudra formations represent India’s move towards a modern, multi-domain land force capable of delivering swift and decisive blows across terrains,” General Dwivedi had said during his address on Kargil Vijay Diwas.
The integrated structure aims to ensure faster decision-making, leaner logistics, and higher combat readiness across all theatres. The Bhairav battalions, operating as the strike blade of these brigades, are designed to deliver the “first shock” in any emerging conflict scenario.
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