UAVs, Counter-Drones At All Battalions As Army Plans Major Overhaul After Op Sindoor: Report
The revamp, which has been in discussion for several months, accelerated following Operation Sindoor in May—a military response to the terror attack in Pahalgam.
The Indian Army is preparing for a wide-ranging organisational overhaul aimed at enhancing combat readiness, with a key focus on integrating Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and counter-drone systems at the battalion level, according to reports.
The revamp, which has been in discussion for several months, accelerated following Operation Sindoor in May—a military response to the terror attack in Pahalgam.
Lessons from that operation are shaping some of the proposed changes, officials familiar with the matter said, as reported by The Indian Express.
A major element of the transformation involves embedding UAV and counter-UAV capabilities into infantry, artillery, and armoured units.
Although drones are already in use, they are often treated as secondary tools, requiring personnel to juggle duties. Under the new structure, dedicated drone units within each battalion will be created to operate these systems full-time.
'Each arm has been directed to draw up a structure that allows a select number of personnel to focus and train on this front," sources said.
In the infantry, surveillance drones are expected to be deployed at both the platoon and company levels.
Bhairav Unit
The Army is also planning to raise 30 new light commando battalions named 'Bhairav', each consisting of roughly 250 personnel.
These units will be specially trained for precision missions in defined operational zones.
They will operate under various commands and will be trained and equipped based on specific mission profiles.
Sources said that infantry regimental centres have already been directed to begin forming these units, with the first battalions expected to be operational within a month.
Another component of the overhaul is the formation of 'Rudra' brigades—integrated combat formations that bring together infantry, armoured, artillery units, UAV assets, and logistics into a single autonomous fighting force.
These brigades will be capable of operating independently in both conventional and hybrid warfare scenarios, with support systems and networks customised to specific operational needs.
Each existing artillery regiment typically has three batteries of six guns each. Under the new plan, two of these will be reinforced with additional guns, while the third will consist of drone systems to support both observation and combat roles.
Some of these structural initiatives were outlined by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi during his address on Kargil Vijay Diwas, July 26.
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