Indian Army Deploys 'Ashni' Drones and 'Bhairav' Light Battalions for Enhanced Operational Capabilities
The Indian Army is making significant strides in enhancing its frontline operations by equipping approximately 385 infantry battalions with dedicated 'Ashni' drone platoons. Lieutenant General Ajay Kumar, the Army's director general of Infantry, announced the development at a press briefing on Wednesday. Additionally, the army is expediting the deployment of specialized 'Bhairav' light commando battalions.
According to Lt Gen Ajay Kumar, the 'Ashni' initiative is set to transform battlefield awareness and tactical responses, aligning with the needs of modern high-intensity warfare. The introduction of these technologies is part of a strategic overhaul to meet contemporary operational demands.
Each Ashni platoon will be equipped with 10 drones, consisting of four used for surveillance and reconnaissance, and six kamikaze drones for loitering munitions. This setup aims to provide continuous intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) along with immediate strike capabilities at the battalion level, thereby enhancing commanders' ability to make rapid decisions on the battlefield.
The 'Bhairav' formations have been designed as agile light commando battalions, prepared for quick tactical strikes in border areas and during high-intensity situations. Each battalion will feature around 250 specially trained soldiers, incorporating elements of artillery, signals, and Army Air Defence. As of October 1, five battalions were deployed for training, and are expected to be fully operational by the end of the month. An additional four battalions are currently undergoing training, with plans to establish 25 more within six months. The Bhairavs are intended to bridge the operational gap between traditional infantry and elite special forces.
The Army is also upgrading its infantry's lethality with new small arms and advanced ordnance. The planned enhancements include the induction of modern 7.62 mm rifles, next-generation anti-tank systems, and new rocket launchers. A contract worth Rs 2,770 crore has been signed for the procurement of 425,000 close-quarter battle carbines to replace older models, with Bharat Forge and PLR Systems handling the majority of the supply, expected to begin in September 2026.
These developments come ahead of Shaurya Diwas on October 27 and are part of a broader initiative to make the army more technologically advanced and lethal. By integrating drone capabilities at the battalion level and forming specialized light-strike units, the Army aims to streamline decision-making processes and enhance operational flexibility across various regions.
Lt Gen Ajay Kumar emphasized that the integration of drones, specialized battalions, and modern weaponry will substantially increase the infantry's reconnaissance capabilities, target engagement options, and tactical versatility, which are crucial to tackling the challenges posed by present and future combat environments.
