Source: DH
Context: The Indian Army is raising the first five ‘Bhairav’ commando battalions to strengthen swift strike capabilities along the borders with China and Pakistan.
About Bhairav Commando Battalions:
- What it is?
- Newly raised light commando battalions (250 soldiers each) under the “Save and Raise” approach.
- Drawn from existing infantry battalions without fresh troop accretion.
- Complements the Army’s 10 Para-SF and 5 Para (Airborne) battalions.
- Objective:
- Enhance swift strike capability along critical borders with China and Pakistan.
- Relieve Para-Special Forces so they can focus on strategic, high-risk missions behind enemy lines.
- Provide rapid, high-impact response in evolving battlefield conditions like drone-saturated environments.
- Features:
- Each unit: ~250 soldiers, 7–8 officers.
- Training: 2–3 months in regimental centres + 1 month with Special Forces for advanced training.
- Equipped with latest weapons, drones, surveillance systems, and tactical gadgets.
- Agile and nimble: Smaller than infantry (800) and Para-SF (620), but optimized for mobility and flexibility.
- Locations: Initial 5 units—3 in Northern Command (Leh, Srinagar, Nagrota), 1 in western desert sector, 1 in eastern hilly terrain.
- Functions:
- Conduct reconnaissance, interdiction, and disruption of enemy troops.
- Provide cross-border tactical support in contested areas.
- Operate in all terrains (mountains, deserts, border regions).
- Supplement artillery and drone-based modern warfare units.
- Significance:
- Bridges the operational gap between regular infantry and elite Special Forces.
- Reflects Indian Army’s strategic modernization drive: alongside Bhairav, new Rudra brigades, Shaktibaan regiments, and Divyastra batteries are being established.
