In order to adapt to technology-driven combat, the Indian Army is implementing a comprehensive modernization program that will overhaul all 382 of its infantry battalions and incorporate drones, new weapons, and specialized light commando groups. One of the biggest reorganizations of India’s ground combat troops in decades is this project.
Lethality, mobility, battlefield transparency, and survivability are the guiding principles of the transition, according to Lieutenant General Ajay Kumar, Director General of Infantry.
The objective is to guarantee that the infantry, which has long been regarded as the foundation of the Army, which has 1.15 million soldiers, will continue to be vital in future battles. Lt Gen Kumar emphasized that “land captured will always be the measure of victory on the battlefield, whether in Israel-Hamas or Russia-Ukraine conflicts.”
Numerous contracts for anti-tank missiles, loitering munitions, sophisticated weapons, and contemporary communication systems have been inked by the Army. One of the most important projects is the ₹2,770 crore purchase of 4.2 lakh close-quarters combat carbines, which would be divided between Bharat Forge and PLR Systems, a joint venture between Israel Weapon Industries and Adani Defence. It is anticipated that deliveries will start in a year and end in two.
The objective is to guarantee that the infantry, which has long been regarded as the foundation of the Army, which has 1.15 million soldiers, will continue to be vital in future battles. Lt Gen Kumar emphasized that “land captured will always be the measure of victory on the battlefield, whether in Israel-Hamas or Russia-Ukraine conflicts.”
Numerous contracts for anti-tank missiles, loitering munitions, sophisticated weapons, and contemporary communication systems have been inked by the Army. One of the most important projects is the ₹2,770 crore purchase of 4.2 lakh close-quarters combat carbines, which would be divided between Bharat Forge and PLR Systems, a joint venture between Israel Weapon Industries and Adani Defence. It is anticipated that deliveries will start in a year and end in two.
The development of agile “Bhairav” light commando battalions, intended for quick, high-intensity attacks, is a complement to the drone revolution. Along the frontlines of China and Pakistan, five of these battalions have already been operationalized under key corps: 3 Corps (Dimapur), 12 Corps (Jodhpur), 14 Corps (Leh), 15 Corps (Srinagar), and 16 Corps (Nagrota). About 250 men trained in counterterrorism, sabotage, and infiltration make up each battalion.
Within six months, the Army intends to raise 25 “Bhairav” battalions, and four more are now forming. The purpose of these slender, mobile forces is to fill the operational gap between elite Para-Special Forces and conventional infantry formations.
This reorganization is in line with the Army’s broader strategic reforms, which prioritize technological integration and combined-arms synergy. Infantry forces are being equipped with updated night sights, ballistic helmets, bulletproof jackets, software-defined radios, light specialty vehicles, and foliage-penetrating radars in addition to contemporary carbines and ATGMs.
The “Ashni” drone platoons and “Bhairav” commando groups work together to redefine the fighting profile of the Indian infantry. They are the embodiment of the Army’s goal to provide its foot soldiers with networked weapon systems that can function independently in a changing digital battlefield, in addition to being fighters.
