Indian Army to Deploy Five Bhairav Commando Battalions for Two-Front Preparedness By End of This Month

New Delhi, August 2025 – In a decisive step towards enhancing operational agility and combat readiness, the Indian Army is set to deploy five Bhairav Light Commando Battalions by the end of this month. The move comes as part of a broader modernization push aimed at preparing the Army for possible two-front challenges from both China and Pakistan.

Strategic Role and Deployment

Out of the five battalions, three will be positioned along the northern borders, strengthening defenses in critical sectors of Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh, while one battalion each will be deployed in the northeast and the western front. These units are designed to operate as highly mobile, rapid-reaction forces, capable of executing missions such as cross-border interdiction, reconnaissance, sabotage of enemy supply lines, and swift defensive actions.

The Bhairav battalions serve as a bridge between the regular infantry and the elite Special Forces, ensuring that India has an effective mid-tier rapid strike capability that is both cost-efficient and operationally versatile.

Composition and Training

Each Bhairav battalion is expected to have about 250 personnel. The troops undergo a two-stage training program:

1. Basic Training at regimental centers focusing on endurance, mountain warfare, close-quarter battle, and rapid mobility.

2. Advanced Training conducted alongside Special Forces units, which includes airborne operations, heli-borne insertion, precision strikes, and advanced weapons handling.

This dual-phase preparation ensures that Bhairav units can seamlessly integrate into joint operations with both conventional and special units when required.

Part of the Army’s Transformation Drive

The induction of Bhairav battalions aligns with the Army’s long-term modernization plan known as the “Decade of Transformation (2023–2032)”. Under this vision, the Army is restructuring its formations into more modular and agile Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs).

Alongside Bhairav units, the Army is also:

• Raising Rudra All-Arms Brigades, combining infantry, artillery, armored units, UAVs, engineers, and logistics under a single integrated command.

• Equipping every infantry battalion with dedicated drone platoons, improving real-time battlefield surveillance and precision strike capability.

• Expanding its artillery strength with Divyastra Batteries and Shaktibaan Regiments, which integrate loitering munitions, precision artillery, and rapid sensor-to-shooter systems.

Future Numbers and Expansion

By November 2025, the Army plans to field a total of 23 Bhairav battalions across multiple frontiers. This expansion follows a “Save and Raise” model, where units are created using existing manpower and resources, ensuring minimal financial strain while maximizing readiness.

Why This Matters

• Agility and Speed: Bhairav battalions give the Army the ability to respond within hours to localized threats.

• Two-Front Preparedness: Their deployment strengthens deterrence against China in the north and Pakistan in the west.

• Operational Balance: By handling quick-response missions, Bhairav units allow elite Special Forces to focus on complex, high-priority operations.

• Integration with Technology: Their training emphasizes synergy with drones, surveillance systems, and modern artillery, aligning with future warfare needs.

The deployment of five Bhairav Commando battalions signals a major doctrinal shift for the Indian Army. These specialized units will not only enhance frontline resilience but also improve the Army’s flexibility in tackling simultaneous challenges across two borders. With more battalions planned in the coming months, the Bhairav forces are set to become a key pillar of India’s modern warfighting strategy, combining speed, precision, and adaptability.