 "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.
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.