New Special Forces Unit ‘Bhairav’ Raised to Focus on Modern Warfare Capabilities
In a significant move to strengthen its modern warfare capabilities, the Indian Army has created a new specialised force comprising over one lakh drone operators. The unit, named Special Forces Bhairav, is designed to enhance combat readiness by integrating unmanned systems and digital battlefield operations across all operational theatres.
The development reflects the Army’s pivot toward advanced technologies that are shaping modern conflict environments, including drones, artificial intelligence based systems, and network centric warfare capabilities.
What the New Force Will Do
According to defence officials:
- The Bhairav force will operate a wide range of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
- It will support intelligence gathering, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance missions
- The unit will integrate drone operations with ground troops and combat platforms
- It will provide real time battlefield awareness to commanders
The force will be equipped with both tactical and strategic drones and will operate across borders, coastal areas, and high altitude regions.
Strategic Significance
The creation of Bhairav represents a shift in doctrine toward incorporating unmanned systems at scale within conventional military structures. Drones have become central to modern warfare due to their ability to:
- Collect intelligence without risking human life
- Engage targets with precision guided weapons
- Reduce operational response time
- Provide persistent surveillance
Army spokespersons emphasised that the new force will work closely with existing regiments and digital warfare units to ensure seamless coordination.
Why Now
Recent conflicts around the world have demonstrated the growing role of drones and unmanned systems. Both state and non state actors are using drones for reconnaissance and strike missions, making counter-drone capabilities and operator training critical for future threats.
By establishing a dedicated force with specialised training, the Indian Army aims to stay ahead of evolving battlefield demands.
Challenges Ahead
Officials acknowledge that integrating a force of this size will require:
- Significant training and reskilling of existing personnel
- Investment in indigenous drone technology
- Development of secure communication networks
- Integration with air, naval, and cyber warfare units
These challenges reflect the broader transformation underway in defence modernisation.
Where It Fits in India’s Defence Strategy
The Bhairav unit will join other ongoing modernisation efforts, including:
- Enhanced cyber defence capabilities
- Space based surveillance integration
- Joint services operational command reforms
- Indigenous defence manufacturing initiatives
This move aligns with the nation’s goal of achieving technology driven and self-reliant defence forces.