What is Bhairav Light Commando Battalion of the Indian Army?

The Bhairav Light Commando Battalion represents a significant advancement in the Indian Army's operational framework, designed to address evolving threats in modern warfare. Named after Bhairav, a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva symbolizing protection and destruction, these units embody agility, precision, and rapid response capabilities. Established as part of the Army's broader modernization efforts, the Bhairav battalions fill a critical gap between conventional infantry forces and elite Special Forces, enabling swift tactical operations along sensitive borders.

Announcement and Background

The formation of the Bhairav Light Commando Battalions was formally announced by General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff, during the Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations in Drass on July 26, 2025. This announcement coincided with the introduction of complementary structures, such as the Rudra all-arms brigades and Shaktibaan artillery regiments, underscoring a strategic shift toward integrated, technology-driven warfare. The initiative responds to the changing nature of conflicts, particularly along India's northern and western borders, where hybrid threats involving drones, electronic warfare, and rapid incursions demand flexible and lethal responses.

As of October 2025, five battalions were reported as fully operational, with plans to raise additional units swiftly. By early 2026, the Army aims to have up to 25 such battalions in service, reflecting a commitment to enhancing border security without expanding overall troop numbers through a "save and raise" model.

Also Read: Para SF vs Bhairav Battalion: What's the Difference?

Purpose and Role

The primary objective of the Bhairav battalions is to conduct rapid strikes, reconnaissance, and disruption missions in high-risk environments. These units are engineered for sub-conventional warfare, providing a "lean and lethal" option for politico-military operations that require shock impact without the logistical demands of larger formations. They bridge the operational divide between standard infantry battalions, which focus on sustained engagements, and the Para Special Forces, which are reserved for deeper, clandestine trans-border missions.

In essence, the Bhairav units relieve the Special Forces from tactical duties on India's side of the border, allowing them to concentrate on strategic assignments. This restructuring enhances the Army's readiness for conflicts characterized by digitization, automation, and precision weaponry, countering threats such as China's "Unrestricted Warfare" doctrine.

Structure and Organization

Each Bhairav Light Commando Battalion comprises approximately 250 personnel, including 7-8 officers, making it significantly smaller and more mobile than a conventional infantry battalion of around 800 soldiers. Commanded by a colonel-rank officer, these units adopt an integrated approach, incorporating specialists from various arms: five from air defense, four from artillery, and two from signals.

Personnel are drawn from the Army's existing 415 infantry battalions, with each contributing about 11 soldiers under the "save and raise" concept to avoid new recruitments. Initial deployments include three units under the Northern Command—affiliated with the 14 Corps in Leh, 15 Corps in Srinagar, and 16 Corps in Nagrota—along with one for desert terrain in the western sector and one for hilly terrain in the eastern sector. The long-term vision entails establishing 23 to 25 battalions, primarily along borders with Pakistan and China.

These battalions differ from existing elite elements like Ghatak platoons (20-person assault teams within infantry units) and are not intended to replace them.

Training and Selection

Selection for the Bhairav units emphasizes a "sons of the soil" approach, prioritizing recruits familiar with regional terrains to optimize operational effectiveness. Personnel undergo an initial 2-3 month specialized training program at their respective Infantry Regimental Centres, focusing on speed, flexibility, and tactical proficiency. This is followed by a one-month attachment to Special Forces units in operational theaters for advanced instruction in high-impact missions.

Training modules incorporate multi-domain operations, including electronic warfare and drone integration, ensuring soldiers are adept at autonomous, stealth-oriented tasks. Replacements are managed similarly to Rashtriya Rifles battalions, with Infantry Regiments handling selection and preparation.

Equipment and Capabilities

The Bhairav battalions are equipped with cutting-edge technology to support drone-enabled, rapid-strike operations. Key assets include surveillance drones, loitering munitions, electronic warfare tools, light vehicles, mortars, and anti-tank guided missiles. Recent procurements feature 4.25 lakh Close Quarter Battle (CQB) carbines (5.56 x 45mm), lighter and optimized for urban and counter-terrorism scenarios, supplied by Bharat Forge and PLR Systems. Additionally, 104 Javelin anti-tank guided missiles and 12 launchers are being acquired under emergency provisions for enhanced anti-armor capabilities.

Capabilities extend to intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) through integrated Ashni platoons equipped with drones. These units excel in creating situational awareness, executing precision strikes, and operating with minimal logistics, making them ideal for hybrid warfare scenarios.

Deployment and Future Plans

Initial deployments prioritize high-threat areas, with units already operational in Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, and border sectors facing Pakistan and China. The Army intends to operationalize all 25 battalions within six months from October 2025, expanding coverage across northern and western frontiers.

Future integration involves embedding these battalions within larger formations to support swift, multi-axis offensives. This aligns with the Army's goal of addressing manpower shortages—over 100,000 personnel—and reducing unauthorized attachments in infantry units.

Relation to Other Units

The Bhairav battalions are closely linked to the Rudra brigades, which are all-arms formations combining infantry, mechanized elements, armor, artillery, Special Forces, and unmanned aerial vehicles. Two existing infantry brigades have been converted into Rudra units, enhancing offensive capabilities under the Cold Start Doctrine. By integrating with Rudra structures, Bhairav units provide specialized commando support, while coexisting with Shaktibaan artillery and dedicated drone platoons across the infantry.

This ecosystem frees the 10 Para (Special Forces) and 5 Para (Airborne) battalions for trans-border roles, optimizing resource allocation.

Conclusion

The Bhairav Light Commando Battalions mark a pivotal evolution in the Indian Army's doctrine, emphasizing agility and technological integration to counter contemporary threats. By fostering rapid, high-impact operations, these units strengthen India's defensive posture, ensuring readiness for future conflicts. As the Army continues to operationalize and refine these formations, they stand as a testament to strategic innovation in national security.