Indian Army Raises ‘Bhairav’ Force, Trains Over One Lakh Drone Warriors

Bhairav Special Force: India’s Leap Towards Drone-Centric and Hybrid Warfare

Amid large-scale restructuring to prepare for future battlefields, the Indian Army has undertaken one of its most ambitious transformations in recent years. The Army has created a pool of over one lakh trained drone operators across its formations and raised a new technology-driven special force named Bhairav , designed for high-speed, precision operations in contested and complex environments.

Bhairav: A Technology-Driven Special Force

Bhairav is the Army’s newest specialised force, conceptualised to counter the realities of hybrid and multi-domain warfare . Every Bhairav operative is trained in drone operations, enabling real-time surveillance, targeting, and strike missions against enemy bases and formations deep inside hostile territory. The force draws heavily on lessons from recent global conflicts and India’s own operational experiences along its borders.

Structure, Deployment and Operational Role

So far, around 15 Bhairav battalions have been raised by Army Headquarters and deployed across key formations on both the western and northern borders. Plans are in place to expand the force to about 25 battalions in the near future. Bhairav units are designed to bridge the operational gap between Para Special Forces and conventional infantry battalions, offering commanders a highly mobile and tech-enabled force capable of operating from tactical to operational depth.

Desert Sector Battalion and Training

One newly raised Bhairav battalion has been deployed in the desert sector under the Southern Command Indian Army . Soldiers were selected from infantry regiments and underwent specialised training focused on desert warfare, drone employment, and modern combat technologies. Following the “Sons of the Soil” concept, most personnel hail from Rajasthan, ensuring familiarity with terrain, climate, and local conditions. The unit’s ethos is inspired by the legacy of Rajanghan , symbolising endurance, courage, and adaptability.

Exercises, Restructuring and Future Outlook

The Bhairav battalions have completed intensive training over the past five months and validated their combat readiness during Exercise Akhand Prahar , held in the presence of Southern Army Commander Dhiraj Seth . The units are also set to participate in the Army Day Parade at Jaipur on January 15.

Alongside Bhairav, the Army has raised Rudra Brigades as integrated all-arms formations and is rapidly inducting drones and advanced systems across artillery, mechanised infantry, and armoured units—signalling a decisive shift towards technology-led warfare.

Important Facts for Exams

• Bhairav is a newly raised, technology-driven special force of the Indian Army

• All Bhairav operatives are trained in drone-based warfare

• The force bridges Para SF and regular infantry units

• Hybrid warfare combines conventional, irregular, and technological methods