July 28, 2025

NEW DELHI: The Indian Army is taking significant steps to address the dual military threats posed by Pakistan and China. In light of recent incursions and the tensions highlighted during Operation Sindoor, the Army is establishing new 'Rudra' all-arms brigades and 'Bhairav' light commando battalions. These moves are designed to bolster India's military readiness and offensive capacity along the borders. Currently, the Indian Army, comprising approximately 1.15 million personnel, is planning the addition of 'Shaktibaan' artillery regiments, which will be enhanced with specialized 'Divyastra' surveillance and loitering munitions, alongside the integration of drone platoons across its infantry battalions. This strategic modernization aligns with global military trends where drone warfare is now pivotal in combat scenarios, prompting significant shifts in conventional military tactics. During the Kargil Vijay Diwas commemoration in Drass, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi unveiled the Army's future-ready transformation plans. He emphasized that the recent military engagements with Pakistan showcased India's capacity to deliver a clearly defined and decisive response. "We provided them (Pakistan) a chance for peace, but they demonstrated cowardice, prompting our valorous response to their provocations," he stated, alluding to the Army's operations concerning regional security. General Dwivedi affirmed that the Army's restructuring would involve a conversion of current brigades into all-arms formations, fostering better integration of infantry, mechanized units, artillery, Special Forces, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This restructuring aims to make the combat formations effective not just in wartime but also during peacetime, deploying them together for consistent training and operational readiness. "The transformation to Rudra brigades is a concrete step towards a more integrated military force, prepared to tackle security challenges in specific areas along the borders," he explained. The first two Rudra brigades are already operational as part of these restructuring efforts, which anticipate a more strategic command and control structure. Additionally, the new Bhairav light commando battalions are positioned to complement the existing Para-Special Forces units, significantly augmenting India's ability to conduct covert operations behind enemy lines. The plan outlines a phased approach to establish up to 40-50 Bhairav units, with ongoing recruitment from existing infantry battalions and provisioning of modern weaponry and technologies, including drones. Every infantry battalion will now incorporate drone technology, enhancing reconnaissance and combat capabilities dramatically. Furthermore, the artillery force will experience exponential growth in firepower due to the introduction of Divyastra battery systems aimed at increasing operational effectiveness. The Army Air Defence (AAD) sectors are also being modernized, set to receive cutting-edge indigenous missile systems aimed at countering aerial threats, particularly given recent skirmishes that utilized drone technologies. High-altitude defense capabilities will be reinforced with the deployment of Akash Prime surface-to-air missile systems, equipped to intercept a variety of aerial threats within a range of 25 kilometers and beyond. These enhancements to India's military infrastructure come amid escalating tensions and underline the government's commitment to ensuring that the Army is well-equipped to defend national interests. As the regional security landscape evolves, proactive measures such as these are perceived as pivotal to maintaining deterrence against potential adversaries. In conclusion, the planned restructuring and modernization of the Indian Army signal a critical response to the strategic threats posed by Pakistan and China. With the establishment of integrated battle groups and an emphasis on advanced technology, India aims to strengthen its military posture significantly. The ongoing military reforms will not only enhance immediate defense capabilities but also establish a framework for enduring peace and stability along India’s borders.

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Tags: India army, Pakistan, China, Border security, Military upgradation,