Indian army raises Bhairav force with 1 lakh drone operatives

In one of its most significant transformations aimed at meeting the challenges of modern and hybrid warfare, the Indian Army has created a pool of over one lakh trained drone operatives across its formations and raised a new Special Force known as Bhairav .

The Bhairav battalions are being developed as technology-driven, high-speed offensive units , with all personnel trained to operate and deploy drones for reconnaissance, surveillance, and precision targeting of enemy bases and formations inside hostile territory.

The battalions are equipped with a range of modern warfare technologies , including reconnaissance drones, combat and attack drones, swarming drone systems, AI-assisted targeting and surveillance systems, real-time command and control (C2) networks, encrypted communication systems, night vision and thermal imaging sensors, integrated battlefield management systems, multi-domain operational systems, and precision-guided munitions for drones .

Unlike the largely standalone or modified commercial drones seen in recent global conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war, the drone systems used by Bhairav units are more specialized for integrated Indian Army operations and are designed to function as part of a broader rapid-response, technology-driven combat system rather than as independent platforms .

Team ANI visited one of the newly raised Bhairav battalions deployed in the desert sector under the Southern Command , where troops selected from infantry regiments are undergoing intensive training tailored to modern battlefield requirements.

Raised by Army Headquarters after studying lessons from global conflicts and India’s own operational experience, the Bhairav battalions are intended to conduct special operations at tactical to operational depth , effectively bridging the gap between Para Special Forces —who are trained for high-risk, covert, and special operations , both behind enemy lines and in direct action missions—and regular infantry units. Around 15 Bhairav battalions have already been raised and deployed along both borders, with plans to expand the force to approximately 25 battalions in the near future.

“Modern warfare is evolving rapidly, with conflicts becoming increasingly hybrid in nature. Forces must be fully equipped with advanced technology to meet these challenges,” said the Commanding Officer of the 2 Bhairav Battalion in an exclusive interaction with ANI. “The Bhairav units have been raised in line with new operational concepts, modern technology, and emerging battlefield requirements.”

The desert-based Bhairav battalion, also known as the Desert Falcons , follows the ‘ Sons of the Soil ’ concept, with a majority of troops drawn from Rajasthan , enabling better understanding of terrain, climate, and local conditions. “The unit draws strength from the legacy of valour and gallantry of Rajanghan and is fully prepared to meet any challenge in the desert sector,” the Commanding Officer said.

Since their formation five months ago, the Bhairav battalions have undergone rigorous training and successfully validated their operational readiness during Exercise Akhand Prahar , conducted in the presence of Southern Army Commander Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth . The units are also scheduled to participate in the Army Day Parade in Jaipur on January 15, 2026 .

As part of a broader force restructuring, the Indian Army has also created Rudra Brigades , which are integrated all-arms formations combining infantry, mechanised units, tanks, artillery, special forces, unmanned aerial systems, and dedicated logistics and combat support. The Artillery, Mechanised Infantry, and Armoured Corps are likewise being equipped with advanced drone systems and modern warfare technologies to enhance battlefield effectiveness.

The transformation reflects the Army’s effort to build a swift, capable, and decisive force prepared for future multi-domain conflicts.