New Delhi, 04 January (H.S.): The Indian Army has deployed its newly formed elite Bhairav Battalion in Nasirabad, Rajasthan, on Sunday, marking a transformative leap in modern hybrid warfare capabilities. This specialized force, comprising commandos trained to operate over 100,000 drones, stands ready to execute deep-strike missions, reconnaissance, and cross-border operations along the China and Pakistan frontiers.

The unit will showcase its prowess during the Army Day Parade in Jaipur on January 14, 2026.

Bridging Infantry and Special Forces

A commanding officer from the Nasirabad-based Bhairav Battalion emphasized that contemporary battles demand rapid adaptation to hybrid threats. Bhairav battalions have been meticulously crafted with cutting-edge technology, innovative tactics, and operational agility to meet these evolving challenges, he stated.

Trained for deep penetration strikes, enemy infiltration detection, and precision drone assaults (including advanced systems like Astra), these units fill the critical gap between conventional infantry and elite Para-Special Forces, freeing top-tier commandos for the most complex missions.

The Army plans to establish 25 Bhairav battalions, with the first becoming fully operational in November 2025 and five already deployed to strategic sectors. Each battalion integrates approximately 250 personnel from diverse branches—infantry, artillery, signals, and air defence—equipped with anti-aircraft missiles and artillery systems for seamless battlefield coordination.

Lieutenant General Unveils Expansion Plans

Lieutenant General Ajay Kumar Singh, Director General of Infantry, revealed that India aims to operationalize all 25 elite Bhairav battalions within the next six months. These forces are designed to bridge conventional infantry and special operations units, delivering swift, high-impact strikes against enemy vulnerabilities, counter-terrorism operations, and robust border patrols, he explained.

The battalions represent a radical departure from traditional military structures, where separate units for weapons, signals, and logistics deploy independently. Bhairav integrates all elements into a cohesive, technology-driven fighting unit optimized for today's fast-evolving warfare landscape.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar