The Indian Army is rapidly strengthening its special forces with the addition of 25 Bhairav Battalions, a major move to make its infantry more modern, agile, and combat-ready.

According to DG Infantry Lt Gen Ajay Kumar, five Bhairav Battalions have already been raised and deployed, while four more are in the process of deployment. The remaining units will begin raising from November 15 this year.

“The Bhairav battalions are lean, lethal, and highly mobile, optimised for swift operations in high-intensity scenarios,” Lt Gen Kumar said, highlighting their role in boosting the Army’s ability to respond to new security challenges.

Along with the Bhairav Battalions, the Army is also enhancing its drone warfare capabilities through the creation of ASHNI platoons across its infantry formations. Lt Gen Kumar said that 382 Ashni platoons have been raised so far, with each platoon having 20 to 25 specially trained soldiers equipped with drones for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat operations.

“These drone-equipped platoons significantly enhance situational awareness, precision targeting, and battlefield intelligence, providing commanders with real-time operational data,” he added.

The induction of Bhairav Battalions and Ashni platoons shows the Army’s focused push to modernise its infantry, combining speed, technology, and advanced warfare systems to counter evolving threats along India’s borders.