Rudra Brigades, Bhairav Battalions, Shaktibaan and Divyastra

The Indian Army has embarked on an ambitious restructuring and modernisation programme titled the ‘Decade of Transformation (2023–2032)’, aimed at reshaping the force into a more agile, technology-driven, and integrated fighting machine. Announced during Vijay Diwas on 26 July 2025 by the Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, this initiative represents the most remarkable structural reform in decades. The programme encompasses the establishment of new combat formations such as Rudra Brigades, Bhairav Battalions, Shaktibaan and Divyastra units—each designed to enhance the Army’s offensive and defensive capabilities through technological integration and multi-domain operations.

Background and Context

India’s military transformation initiative is rooted in the need to adapt to rapidly evolving warfare domains characterised by artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, precision-strike capabilities, and hybrid conflicts. The ‘Decade of Transformation’ aims to synchronise traditional strengths with modern military concepts, ensuring operational superiority in diverse terrains ranging from high-altitude regions to urban and border conflict zones.
The reforms align with India’s broader vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in defence manufacturing, with extensive participation from domestic industries and private defence innovators. The Indian Army’s collaboration with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and indigenous technology firms was notably showcased during the Surya Drone Tech Exhibition 2025, reflecting a strong focus on indigenous technological adoption.

Rudra Brigades: Integration of All-Arms Warfare

The Rudra Brigades are the cornerstone of the Army’s new integrated combat doctrine. Named after ‘Rudra’, a fierce form of Lord Shiva symbolising strength and transformation, these brigades are all-arms formations comprising troops from infantry, armour, and artillery units.
Each Rudra Brigade functions as a self-sufficient combat entity capable of executing independent operations without external reinforcement. The inclusion of diverse combat arms within a single formation enhances responsiveness and coordination during real-time operations. By mid-2025, two brigades had already been converted into Rudra formations, equipped with modern communication systems, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), loitering munitions, and enhanced artillery firepower.
The introduction of Rudra Brigades represents a paradigm shift from traditional linear combat structures to modular and network-centric formations. These units enable swift decision-making and real-time adaptation during combat, aligning with contemporary global military trends such as multi-domain battle concepts adopted by leading defence forces worldwide.

Bhairav Battalions: The New Shock-and-Awe Force

Among the most striking elements of the transformation are the Bhairav Battalions, designed as high-impact, multi-domain special operations units. The name ‘Bhairav’, derived from the Sanskrit term for “the terrifying one”, is symbolic of their role in rapid assault and psychological dominance.
According to Lt. General Ajay Kumar Singh, Director General of Infantry, each Bhairav Battalion comprises around 250 personnel, making them leaner than infantry battalions but larger than elite special forces teams. Their mission profile bridges the gap between conventional infantry operations and special operations, enabling swift tactical strikes, border raids, and counter-insurgency actions.
Key features of Bhairav Battalions include:

• Compact Structure: Enables rapid deployment and manoeuvrability in diverse terrains.
• Advanced Armament: Equipped with lightweight, disposable weapon systems and anti-aircraft missiles for mobile defence.
• Drone Integration: Extensive use of UAVs for surveillance, target acquisition, and offensive strikes.
• Precision and Agility: Capability to execute deep-penetration missions and surgical strikes in contested zones.

As of October 2025, five Bhairav Battalions were undergoing field training, with twenty-five battalions projected to be fully operational by early 2026. Their training includes multi-domain coordination, urban warfare drills, and drone-based reconnaissance, making them a potent addition to India’s deterrence posture.

Shaktibaan and Divyastra: The Modern Artillery Revolution

The artillery branch of the Indian Army is undergoing an unprecedented transformation through the establishment of Shaktibaan and Divyastra units. These terms, drawn from Sanskrit, respectively mean ‘arrow of power’ and ‘weapon of the divine’, signifying the infusion of technology with traditional firepower.
Divyastra Batteries are hybrid formations integrating conventional artillery guns with drones and loitering munitions, enabling long-range precision strikes and real-time surveillance. Their function is to enhance deep-strike capabilities and provide real-time target engagement during both defensive and offensive operations. At least five artillery regiments are planned to include Divyastra Batteries in the initial phase.
Shaktibaan Units, by contrast, are exclusive drone formations focusing entirely on unmanned operations. These regiments conduct “see-and-strike” missions—where UAVs hover above enemy targets before engaging with precision-guided munitions. Unlike Divyastra Batteries, Shaktibaan units omit traditional gun systems, representing the Army’s move toward autonomous warfare doctrines.
The combined deployment of these two artillery concepts allows the Indian Army to operate across multiple domains—air, land, and cyberspace—enhancing both offensive reach and defensive resilience.

Technological Integration and Indigenous Development

Central to this transformation is the emphasis on indigenous technological innovation. Collaboration between the Indian Army, public sector undertakings, and private defence companies has led to the rapid development of loitering munitions, AI-driven drones, and precision-guided artillery systems.
The integration of autonomous systems, electronic warfare tools, and cyber-enabled command networks allows for seamless information sharing between various arms, improving situational awareness and response times. These advancements are supported by indigenous systems such as the Akash missile platform and domestically produced loitering munitions.

Strategic Significance and Future Implications

The ongoing structural reforms represent a decisive move toward a future-ready Indian Army, capable of handling both conventional wars and asymmetric threats. The establishment of multi-domain units such as Bhairav Battalions and Rudra Brigades significantly enhances operational flexibility, especially along sensitive borders and conflict-prone regions.
Moreover, these developments contribute to India’s regional power projection and its ability to maintain a credible deterrence posture against evolving threats in South Asia. The combination of human skill and unmanned systems reflects the Army’s adaptation to 21st-century warfare paradigms, where speed, precision, and information dominance are key.