The Indian Army is set for another milestone with the specialized Bhairav Light Combat Battalions and Ashni drone platoons. Plans are afoot to get 25 such battalions operational within the next six months. The military’s first set is ready for deployment on November 1. Director General Infantry, Lt Gen Ajay Kumar, on Wednesday, said that the battalions would “bridge the gap between Special Forces and normal infantry battalions.”

What Is Bhairav Battalion?

Each Bhairav battalion will consist of 250 personnel from different arms, including signals, infantry, air defense, and artillery. Five Bhairav battalions are ready, while four more are currently in the process of being raised. It will provide a lean and lethal force for fast-paced and result-driven actions along the borders with China and Pakistan.

About Ashni (Fire) Drone Platoons

The Director General also mentioned that the Indian Army is raising Ashni drone platoons in its infantry battalions to be used for different purposes – surveillance, kamikaze, and loitering munitions roles. While 380 Fire platoons are already functional, the Indian Army is set to advance its drone warfare capabilities to another level.

“The Indian Army is raising Ashni (fire) platoons in its infantry battalions, who would be responsible for looking after drone operations in the force. The drones would be used for different purposes like surveillance roles, loitering munitions, and kamikaze roles,” Lt Gen. Kumar said.

Kumar added, “12 launchers and 104 missiles of the Javelin anti-tank guided missiles are already in the pipeline under the emergency procurement. Many Aatmanirbhar projects for ATGMs are being progressed, including the MP-ATGM program by the DRDO. In addition, there is also a case for the Make 2 procedure in ATGMs, and we are also in the process of finalizing the RFP for a fourth-generation ATGM system.”