Jaipur: A “sons-of-the-soil” recruitment policy, specialised task-oriented weaponry and advanced training are key factors making the Bhairav Light Commando battalions of the Indian Army highly effective and agile, a commanding officer of one such unit has said, as the Army prepares to expand these elite formations further.
These battalions have been raised to deliver swift, high-impact operations, including rapid cross-border actions on short notice. Sources indicate that the units draw from regimental traditions, with war cries such as “Raja Ramchandra ki Jai” or “Bole So Nihaal, Sat Sri Akal”, while adopting the motto of “Abhayam Bhairav” — embodying fearless resolve.
Defence officials, however, noted that the concept is still evolving, with adaptations likely based on operational needs.
All operatives can handle drones and utilise them in real operations to target bases and formations within enemy territory. The Bhairav battalions, raised by the Indian Army, are designed to provide a dedicated force for high-speed, offensive operations, carrying out Special Forces tasking at multiple levels as per requirements.
With around 14 battalions already raised and assigned to different formations on both borders, the Army plans to raise around 25 such battalions in the near future.
The battalions are designed to bridge the gap between the Para Special Forces and regular Infantry battalions, carrying out special operations at tactical to operational depth.
According to the Commanding Officer of the 2 Bhairav Battalion, the force has been raised as part of the Army’s restructuring efforts, keeping in mind the changing nature of modern warfare.
“Modern warfare is changing at a very rapid pace. The conflicts of today are hybrid in nature, and one needs to be fully equipped with modern technology to be able to deal with the Challenges. The Bhairav battalions have also been created as part of the force restructuring, which have been raised in line with the requirements of modern technology, new thought process and as per the new operational requirements,” he said in an exclusive interview with ANI.
“The desert Bhairav Battalion has been raised on the concept of ‘Sons of the Soil’ as the majority of the troops are from Rajasthan, who can understand the terrain, language, weather and the area. The battalion has been built upon the legacy of the valour and gallantry of Rajanghan, and that is our biggest strength. We are ready to meet any challenge in the desert sector,” the Commanding officer added.
The Bhairav battalions have worked extremely hard in the last few months since their formation and completed successful operational validation during Exercise Akhand Prahar, where the troops demonstrated their readiness in front of Southern Army Commander Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth.
According to the Commanding Officer, the force was rapidly evolving and establishing itself as the “Swift, Capable, and Decisive” force of the Southern Command and Indian Army.
The Indian Army’s efforts to modernise its forces are not limited to the Bhairav battalions. The Army has also created Rudra Brigades, all-arms formations that combine infantry, mechanised units, tanks, artillery, special forces, and unmanned aerial systems with dedicated logistics and combat support.
The Bhairav battalions are set to make their debut at the Indian Army’s Army Day Parade at Jaipur on January 15 this year.
