In a major step towards enhancing its rapid response and operational capability, the Indian Army has raised five new “Bhairon Battalions”, a special formation designed to bridge the gap between the Ghatak commandos of infantry units and the elite Special Forces.
According to defence sources, the Army’s plan is to raise 25 Bhairon Battalions within the next six months, with each battalion comprising around 250 carefully selected personnel drawn from diverse arms of the force including infantry, artillery, signals, and air defence.
Objective and Role
The Bhairon Battalions have been conceptualised as hybrid assault teams capable of undertaking high-risk, high-intensity missions that require more specialised skills than regular infantry but do not necessitate full-fledged Special Forces deployment.They will serve as a force multiplier, ensuring faster response and operational flexibility across varied terrains from high-altitude warfare to counter-terrorism operations.
Training and Deployment
Troops selected for Bhairon units will undergo rigorous training in advanced weapon handling, surveillance, communications, and coordination with air and artillery assets. The training modules are being designed to mirror the operational tempo of Special Forces, though focused more on tactical-level engagements.The Indian Army has reportedly chosen five operational theatres for the initial deployment, focusing on sensitive borders and counter-insurgency zones.
Strategic Significance
The creation of the Bhairon Battalions comes at a time when the Indian Army is undergoing a broader modernisation and restructuring push. The move aims to improve agility, inter-arm synergy, and combat readiness amid evolving security challenges.
Defence analysts view the move as a smart adaptation, providing the Army with a tiered combat system:Ghatak Platoons for unit-level raids and assaults,Bhairon Battalions for larger tactical operations, and Special Forces for deep-strike strategic missions.
In essence, the Bhairon Battalions represent the Indian Army’s next leap in modern warfare readiness – blending speed, precision, and cross-functional strength to meet the challenges of the future battlefield.
