Indian Army to transform into ‘future-oriented force’
On the occasion of the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi declared that the Indian Army is rapidly transforming into a global force to be reckoned with, unveiling a series of futuristic combat formations aimed at enhancing operational capabilities.
Speaking at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass, Ladakh, General Dwivedi introduced Rudra All Arms Brigades, Bhairav Light Commando Units, and advanced artillery systems under the Shaktiban regiment, signaling a paradigm shift toward integrated, technology-driven warfare.
Addressing soldiers, veterans, and dignitaries, General Dwivedi announced the establishment of Rudra All Arms Brigades, a groundbreaking initiative to integrate multiple combat arms into cohesive units. “Rudra, an all-arms brigade, is being established, for which I gave approval yesterday,” he said. “Under this, we will have infantry, mechanized infantry, armored units, artillery, special forces, and unmanned aerial units in one place to provide logistics and combat support.”
This integration aims to create versatile, self-sufficient brigades capable of executing complex operations with enhanced coordination and lethality.
The Army Chief also revealed the formation of Bhairav Light Commando Units, described as agile special forces designed to deliver surprise strikes at the border. “The Bhairav Light Commando Unit is always ready to surprise the enemy,” General Dwivedi stated, emphasizing their role in rapid, high-impact operations.
To bolster infantry capabilities, every infantry battalion now includes a dedicated Drone Platoon, equipping ground forces with advanced reconnaissance and strike capabilities.
In a significant boost to artillery firepower, General Dwivedi announced the creation of the Shaktiban regiment within the artillery, equipped with drones, counter-drone systems, and loiter munitions. “Every regiment will have a composite battery equipped with these systems,” he said, highlighting the transformative impact on battlefield dominance. Additionally, the Army Air Defence is being fortified with indigenous missile systems, enhancing protection against aerial threats. “Our capability will increase manifold in the coming days,” General Dwivedi affirmed, underscoring the Army’s commitment to self-reliance through indigenous technology.
Reflecting on the significance of Kargil Vijay Diwas, General Dwivedi recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s presence at the silver jubilee celebrations in 2024, noting, “The presence of top leaders shows that this is not only an Army day but a festival for the entire nation.” He paid tribute to the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during the 1999 Kargil War, stating, “The nation is safe due to the sacrifices made by the heroes at the icy heights. We remember their dedication and determination, and we bow to the brave heroes who laid down their lives so that we can live a peaceful life with dignity.”The announcements come in the context of recent operations, including Operation Sindoor on May 6–7, 2025, which targeted Pakistan-backed terrorist infrastructure, and robust air defence actions against Pakistani drones and missiles on May 8–9, 2025.
General Dwivedi’s vision aligns with India’s broader push for a modern, future-ready military, with ongoing efforts to procure 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) and 354 Zorawar light tanks for high-altitude operations, as revealed during the Army Day 2025 press conference.
The introduction of Rudra, Bhairav, and Shaktiban formations marks a decisive step toward building a technologically advanced, integrated force capable of addressing 21st-century security challenges, reinforcing India’s position as a rising military power.
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Salute the defense forces !!