Indian Army Raises Bhairav Force for Drone Warfare

Amid ongoing defence force restructuring, the Indian Army has undertaken one of its most significant transformations to address the demands of modern warfare. The Army has created a pool of over one lakh trained drone operatives across its formations and raised a new specialised force named Bhairav, designed to conduct high-speed, technology-driven operations in contested environments.

Bhairav: A New Technology-Driven Special Force

Bhairav is the latest special force raised by the Indian Army to meet the challenges of hybrid and multi-domain warfare. All Bhairav operatives are trained to handle drones and employ them in real-time operations, including targeting enemy bases and formations deep inside hostile territory. The force has been conceptualised using lessons from recent global conflicts and India’s own operational experiences.

Structure, Deployment and Operational Role

Around 15 Bhairav battalions have already been raised by Army Headquarters and deployed across different formations on both borders. Plans are underway to expand the force to about 25 battalions in the near future. These units are designed to bridge the operational gap between Para Special Forces and regular infantry battalions, enabling special operations from tactical to operational depth with greater speed and flexibility.

Desert Sector Battalion and Training

One of the newly raised Bhairav battalions is deployed in the desert sector under the Southern Command. Troops for this unit were selected from infantry regiments and given specialised training tailored to desert warfare and modern technology. The battalion follows the “Sons of the Soil” concept, with a majority of soldiers drawn from Rajasthan, allowing better understanding of terrain, climate, and local conditions. The unit traces its ethos to the legacy of Rajanghan, emphasising endurance, valour, and adaptability.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Bhairav is a new technology-driven special force of the Indian Army.
• All Bhairav operatives are trained in drone-based warfare.
• The force is meant to bridge Para SF and regular infantry units.
• Hybrid warfare involves conventional, irregular, and technological methods.

Exercises, Restructuring and Future Outlook

The Bhairav battalions have undergone intensive training over the past five months and successfully validated their operational readiness during Exercise Akhand Prahar, conducted in the presence of Southern Army Commander Dhiraj Seth. The units are also set to participate in the Army Day Parade at Jaipur on January 15. Alongside Bhairav, the Army has raised Rudra Brigades as integrated all-arms formations and is equipping artillery, mechanised infantry, and armoured units with drones and advanced systems to enhance combat effectiveness.