Indian Army's mega push post Op Sindoor: Drones, commandos, Rudra brigades in the works

While some battalions already possess drones, they are currently treated as auxiliary systems.

The Indian Army is set to undergo a sweeping transformation to modernise its battlefield capabilities, with a strong focus on drone warfare, specialised commando units, and integrated brigades. The structural shift, aimed at preparing for both conventional and hybrid conflicts, is being fast-tracked following Operation Sindoor in May, launched in response to the terror attack in Pahalgam.

According to a detailed report by The Indian Express, these long-discussed plans are now moving into implementation mode, with multiple arms of the Army already directed to begin restructuring.

Drones to become core to every combat unit

One of the key changes is the integration of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and counter-drone systems at the battalion level across infantry, artillery, and armoured units.

While some battalions already possess drones, they are currently treated as auxiliary systems. In most cases, soldiers are pulled off regular duties to operate them. That’s about to change. Each unit will now have a dedicated drone outfit, staffed with personnel trained specifically in drone operations.

For instance, infantry battalions will deploy surveillance drones at platoon and company levels, requiring about 70 personnel to be reassigned and retrained per unit. The goal is to make drones a standard issue system, not an afterthought.

Light commando battalions: The Bhairav Force

Another big move is the creation of 30 light commando battalions named Bhairav, each with around 250 personnel. These units will be mission-specific strike teams, trained for high-impact operations in designated regions.

Infantry regimental centres have already been instructed to begin raising these battalions, and some units may be ready for deployment within a month, sources told The Indian Express.

Rudra Brigades: A new all-arms formation

To further sharpen operational readiness, the Army is introducing Rudra Brigades—integrated, all-arms formations designed to function independently across terrains.

These will restructure existing infantry, armoured, and artillery units into self-contained units backed by UAVs and logistics support. The focus will be on network-centric warfare, tailored for both conventional and hybrid scenarios.

Artillery to get Divyastra units and drone batteries

In the artillery regiments, a key revamp is being planned. Each regiment, which currently consists of three six-gun batteries, may soon have: Two enhanced gun batteries and third battery made up entirely of surveillance and combat drones.

Additionally, new Divyastra batteries will feature long-range guns, loitering munitions, and anti-drone systems for both offensive and defensive operations. These units will be capable of deep surveillance and precise strikes in enemy-held areas.

Armour, engineers, and aviation to see tactical changes

Even the armoured and mechanised infantry units are being reworked. Currently, these units include three combat squadrons and a reconnaissance platoon. Under the new structure, the third squadron may either become drone-based or get integrated with attack drones directly supporting tanks.

Engineer regiments, too, will see drone sections added to each company for mine detection, mapping, and reconnaissance.

Meanwhile, the Army Aviation Corps will be bolstered with UAVs for recon and data gathering, reducing reliance on helicopters and flight crews.

 Drone repair, logistics and manpower will be upgraded

With a sharp uptick in drone deployment, the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) will enhance its drone maintenance capability through upgrades in corps-level workshops.

There are also plans to create a more streamlined procurement and supply chain for drones and related equipment. Rather than buying UAVs ad hoc under emergency powers, the idea is to make them part of the Army’s regular purchase cycle, leading to long-term efficiencies.