Indian Army’s Bhairav Battalion Set For Eastern Command Deployment

The Indian Army’s newly introduced Bhairav Battalion is set to be deployed under the Eastern Command after the Republic Day celebrations on January 26, marking a significant step in strengthening the Army’s operational

readiness in a strategically sensitive region.

Raised in August 2025, the Bhairav Battalion will participate in the Republic Day Parade in Kolkata this year before its formal induction. According to sources, the induction will significantly enhance the Eastern Command’s combat capability across multiple operational domains.

The induction of Bhairav Battalion comes amid the Army’s push towards modernisation and technology-driven warfare, with a strong focus on drone-centric operations. According to Army sources, the Indian Army has already developed a pool of over one lakh trained drone operators across its formations. These personnel are trained not only in drone surveillance but also in conducting precision strikes against enemy bases, troop concentrations, and strategic targets in real combat conditions.

The Bhairav force is a newly created, in-house special unit designed to meet the demands of future warfare. Several Bhairav battalions are already deployed along India’s northern and western borders, and plans are underway to expand their numbers further. The force is intended for swift responses to enemy movements, concealed bases, and sudden border threats.

Sources within the forces said the induction of a Bhairav Battalion will strengthen the Eastern Command “from every aspect,” particularly in terms of rapid response, surveillance, and offensive capability.

Structured for high-speed offensive and special missions, each Bhairav Battalion blends conventional infantry combat skills with advanced drone warfare capabilities. This allows seamless coordination between ground operations and aerial surveillance and strike platforms.

Army sources described the Bhairav Battalion as a bridge between regular infantry units and elite Special Forces, aimed at addressing gaps in fast-paced, high-intensity combat scenarios.

Each Bhairav Battalion comprises approximately 200–250 personnel and integrates regular infantry with Para Special Forces elements. The unit is trained for night operations, multi-terrain combat, precision strikes, electronic warfare, and surveillance. These battalions are capable of operating independently in hybrid warfare environments without waiting for larger force mobilisation.

As part of the Army’s broader modernisation drive, around 15 Bhairav Battalions have already been raised, with plans to expand the number to 25 in the coming years. The expansion is expected to significantly enhance India’s preparedness for modern, high-intensity conflicts across all fronts.