At the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations in Drass on July 26, 2025, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi announced that the Indian Army has set out on a revolutionary journey to modernize and strengthen its operational capabilities.
The establishment of the “Rudra” all-arms brigades and “Bhairav” Light Commando Battalions, which are strategically positioned to improve the Army’s efficacy in border regions and combat potential security threats, is at the heart of this change.
A revolutionary change in the Army’s fighting organization is represented by the “Rudra” battalions. Infantry, mechanized infantry, armored units, artillery, special forces, and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) are among the several fighting arms that these formations combine into unified operational units. By combining combat power, logistics, and support under a single command, the objective is to guarantee adaptable, quick, and flexible answers to contemporary battlefield difficulties. This new multi-domain strategy has already been demonstrated by the conversion of two infantry brigades that were previously stationed along border areas into Rudra brigades.
The Rudra brigades are anticipated to carry out intricate operations with improved coordination, speed, and firepower by combining these historically disparate elements. The specialized logistical and combat support provided to each brigade enhances its capacity to function autonomously in a variety of hazardous situations.
In order to guarantee technological parity and battlefield dominance, this structural modification is a part of a larger set of modernization initiatives, which also include equipping artillery with Divyastra and Loiter Munition Batteries and deploying Drone Platoons in every infantry battalion.
The Indian Army formed “Bhairav” Light Commando Battalions in tandem with the Rudra initiative. Tasked with conducting quick, decisive, and surprise operations near the country’s borders, these units are nimble, highly skilled special forces. Their main goal is to “shock” the enemy by acting quickly, flexibly, and precisely while providing a strong defense against unanticipated threats or incursions.
The Bhairav Battalions are an essential part of India’s border security because they improve the Army’s ability to quickly project force, particularly in environments and circumstances that call for covert, high-impact operations.
The introduction of cutting-edge technology strengthens both the Bhairav and Rudra formations. The Indian Army has powerful anti-aerial, precision-strike, and reconnaissance capabilities thanks to the development of Divyastra Batteries, the extensive use of drones, and indigenous missile systems for Army Air Defense. This supports the Army’s goal of having a “future-oriented force” that is prepared to take on challenges from enemies with cutting-edge technology.
General Dwivedi’s announcement coincides with previous high-profile operations, such as Operation Sindoor, which involved targeted cross-border strikes against terrorist infrastructure after a devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, and increased border tensions. A new ideology of resolute, measured reprisal to any assault on sovereignty or security was emphasized by the swift and successful Indian response.
General Dwivedi reaffirmed the Army’s dedication to defending the country’s sovereignty at the Kargil War Memorial by honoring the bravery of the 1999 Kargil War soldiers and their families.
For the Indian Army, the creation of Bhairav Light Commando Battalions and Rudra brigades represents a major advancement in operational preparedness and adaptable warfare. These changes demonstrate a dedication to building a force that is more technologically advanced, adaptable, and lean in order to satisfy the security requirements of the twenty-first century.
