In one of its most significant transformations aimed at preparing for future battlefields, the Indian Army has created a pool of over one lakh drone-trained personnel and raised a new class of technology-driven units called Bhairav battalions to meet the demands of modern, hybrid warfare.
As the Centre pushes ahead with restructuring the armed forces, the Army has quietly but decisively reshaped its combat philosophy.
What are the Bhairav Battalions?
The newly raised Bhairav battalions are designed as high-speed, offensive formations capable of carrying out Special Forces–style missions using drones and other advanced technologies deep inside enemy territory.
Every operative in these units is trained to operate drones in real combat scenarios, including precision targeting of enemy bases and formations.
A visit to one of the newly raised Bhairav battalions in the desert sector under the Southern Command offered a glimpse into this transformation.
The troops, selected from infantry regiments, undergo specialised training tailored to modern warfare requirements, with a strong emphasis on unmanned systems, endurance, and rapid decision-making.
How many Bhairav Battalions have been raised?
Army Headquarters has already raised around 15 Bhairav battalions, deploying them across key formations on both the western and northern borders.
Plans are underway to expand the force to about 25 battalions in the near future. These units are intended to bridge the operational gap between the elite Para Special Forces and conventional infantry battalions, enabling special operations at tactical and operational depths.
“Modern warfare is changing at a very rapid pace. Conflicts today are hybrid in nature, and forces must be fully equipped with modern technology to meet these challenges,” the Commanding Officer of the 2 Bhairav Battalion said.
He explained that the Bhairav units are a core part of the Army’s broader restructuring, shaped by lessons from global conflicts and India’s own operational experience.
What challenges hone the Bhairav Battalion’s skills?
The desert-based Bhairav battalion, under the Southern Command, has been raised as a highly autonomous, technology-driven force.
“The desert presents unique challenges where specialised skills, endurance, and the right use of technology are critical. Bhairav has been designed to operate independently and conduct multi-domain operations in the future,” the officer added.
The battalion follows the ‘Sons of the Soil’ concept, with most troops drawn from Rajasthan, giving them an innate understanding of the terrain, climate, language, and local conditions.
Rooted in the legacy of Rajput valour and gallantry, the unit considers this regional familiarity a key operational strength.
How will Bhairav Battalions be showcased on Army Parade?
Since their raising five months ago, Bhairav battalions have undergone intensive training and successfully validated their combat readiness during Exercise Akhand Prahar, observed by Southern Army Commander Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth. The force is now emerging as a “swift, capable and decisive” arm of the Indian Army.
The Bhairav battalions will also feature prominently in the Indian Army Day Parade in Jaipur on January 15, with the 2 Bhairav Battalion, popularly known as the Desert Falcons, set to participate.
This transformation is part of a wider overhaul that includes the creation of Rudra Brigades—integrated all-arms formations combining infantry, mechanised units, armour, artillery, special forces, drones, and dedicated logistics.
The Artillery, Mechanised Infantry, and Armoured Corps are also being equipped with drones and advanced systems, underscoring the Army’s shift towards technology-led, future-ready warfare