Indian Army to Induct First ‘Bhairav’ Battalion on November 1 to Boost Rapid Response Capabilities

The Indian Army is set to operationalise its first ‘Bhairav’ Battalion on November 1, marking a major step in strengthening India’s rapid-reaction and hybrid warfare capabilities. The announcement was made by Lt Gen Ajay Kumar, Director General of Infantry, highlighting the Army’s ongoing efforts to modernise and restructure its combat forces for future challenges.

According to officials, the Bhairav Battalions will be elite, agile formations designed to respond quickly to emerging threats along India’s borders. Each unit will include handpicked soldiers from infantry, artillery, and signals regiments – enabling coordinated operations that blend conventional warfare, drone technology, and high-mobility tactics.

The move is part of a larger initiative to form 25 Bhairav Battalions within the next six months. These specialised units will fill the operational gap between traditional infantry formations and special forces, offering commanders a flexible force capable of both defensive and offensive missions in high-intensity environments.

In addition, the Army is rapidly expanding its “Ashni” drone platoons, which are being deployed across infantry battalions to enhance surveillance, precision targeting, and offensive drone missions. Over 380 Ashni platoons are already functional, forming the backbone of the Army’s evolving drone warfare strategy.

To further support these capabilities, the Army is advancing its anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) modernization programme. Indigenous systems like the Nag Mark-II missile and its carrier platform NAMICA are being prioritized under the government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) vision. New acquisitions of Javelin ATGMs and launchers will complement this effort, ensuring layered anti-armour protection for frontline units.

Defence analysts note that the creation of Bhairav Battalions signals a clear strategic shift toward high readiness and technological integration. The Army’s focus on modular units, drone-based reconnaissance, and indigenous weapons is aimed at ensuring faster deployment and greater adaptability in both conventional and grey-zone conflicts.

The induction of the first Bhairav Battalion on November 1 will serve as a testbed for these reforms. Its performance and adaptability will likely shape the future structure of India’s combat forces in the years to come.