India Enhances Counter-Terror Strategy with 'Rudra' Brigades and 'Bhairav' Battalions, Army Chief Reports
Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has described the Pahalgam terror attack as a pivotal event in India's counter-terrorism strategy, asserting that it has significantly altered the country's approach to dealing with cross-border threats.
During his address at the Kargil Vijay Diwas ceremony in Drass, General Dwivedi highlighted that the military operation conducted from May 6 to 7, targeting high-value assets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, was a direct response to the Pahalgam attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. He explained that the precision strike aimed to minimize civilian casualties while sending a strong message to the masterminds and networks supporting cross-border terrorism.
The Army Chief remarked that Indian forces remained vigilant from May 7 to 9, ready to respond to any retaliatory measures from across the Line of Control. He stressed that this operation was part of a wider, coordinated strategy that involved various security and intelligence agencies.
General Dwivedi also announced the establishment of integrated combat formations known as 'Rudra' brigades, which consolidate infantry, armored units, artillery, special forces, and drone capabilities under a single command structure. Two such brigades are already in operation, marking a transition from traditional, role-specific brigades to versatile, multi-domain forces.
In addition, he introduced the creation of new light commando units, termed 'Bhairav' battalions, designed for rapid and targeted actions along the border. Each infantry battalion has been augmented with drone sections, and artillery capabilities are being upgraded with long-range, remotely operated systems.
The air defense branch of the Army is also undergoing modernization, incorporating domestically developed systems to counter aerial threats. General Dwivedi indicated that all these reforms are being carried out in coordination with the Navy, Air Force, and other government entities as part of a cohesive national defense strategy.
