Indian Army Boosts Pakistan-Facing Combat Readiness

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New Delhi, India – The Indian Army has launched a major restructuring of its ground forces to enhance cross-border operational capabilities, particularly along Pakistan’s borders. The reforms, building on prior initiatives under former Chief General Manoj Pande, aim to strengthen India’s ability to conduct precise, pre-emptive strikes while retaining strategic surprise.

Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi announced new measures, including the creation of Rudra brigades, an advanced version of the Integrated Battle Group. These all-arms brigades consolidate infantry, mechanized forces, armor, artillery, special units, drones, and logistics into a single formation designed for rapid and coordinated action. Two brigades have already been converted into Rudra units, which will operate with independent combat and support elements.

In addition, the army is raising Bhairav Light Commando Battalions, specialized units of around 250 soldiers each, designed for high-intensity operations such as forward post raids, bunker neutralization, and artillery sabotage. These battalions will be equipped with Mahindra Armado Light Specialist Vehicles capable of rapid deployment, anti-tank missions, and vehicle-mounted mortar fire. Soldiers will also receive modern AK-203 and Sig-716 assault rifles with night-vision capability.

Each infantry battalion will now include a drone platoon, enhancing battlefield surveillance and targeting. These units will employ First-Person-View (FPV) drones and other surveillance assets, including anti-tank payload-equipped drones, giving troops the ability to independently conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.

Artillery units are also being upgraded with drone-supported target acquisition, counter-drone systems, and new Divyastra batteries equipped with loitering munitions such as Nagrasta-I, enhancing precision strike capability. The Shaktiban regiments will incorporate indigenously developed D-4 anti-drone systems.

These reforms signal a deliberate strategy to give political leadership confidence in the Army’s ability to act decisively at lower echelons, maintaining readiness for surgical cross-border operations. By increasing specialized units, modernizing equipment, and integrating advanced technology, the Indian Army strengthens both deterrence and operational flexibility.

Officials expect the restructured brigades and battalions to significantly enhance India’s capability to launch pre-emptive actions while keeping adversaries off balance. Pakistani defense planners are likely to view these developments as a clear signal of India’s expanding tactical options along the Line of Control.

The modernization program underscores India’s commitment to maintaining strategic superiority, rapid-response capability, and a resilient ground force prepared for contemporary battlefield challenges.