Bhairav, Rudra units to boost combat power

Two modernised Army formations along with Shaktiban regiments to be deployed along western, northern borders

- MAYANK SINGH @ New Delhi

THE combat formations of the Indian Army are set for a major reorganisation, for which specific orders have been issued with 'implementation instructions,' sources said on Sunday.

Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi is pushing for the reorganisation as part of the greater design to modernise the force.

The combat formations are being raised on "Save and Raise" mode with no cost to the exchequer, sources said.

To begin with, there would be reorganisation at the Unit level of the Artillery and Infantry, which will be christened as Shaktiban Regiments and Bhairav Battalions.

The reorganisation exercise will also be at the Brigade level with the new ones being called the Rudra Brigades.

A brigade of the Indian Army, commanded by a Brigadier, generally comprises three units comprising around 3,000 to 3,500 personnel.

According to sources, the Shaktiban Regiments will comprise two larger batteries with increased firepower (a typical battery operates six guns) and a composite battery operating two systems together.

The composite battery will operate loiter munitions (extended range) and the Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs) on the lines of the Divyastra Battery.

One regiment generally comprises three batteries totalling 18 guns.

A battery is a tactical unit of the regiment with guns and the requisite number of personnel and equipment to operate the weapons.