In a landmark announcement on the occasion of the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas in Dras, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi unveiled a series of transformative initiatives aimed at shaping the Indian Army into a “future-oriented, modern, and lethal force.”
These sweeping changes encompass the creation of new operational units, technological integration at the infantry level, and unique projects to honour the fallen heroes of the 1999 Kargil War.
Introduction of the ‘Rudra’ All-Arms Brigades
At the heart of this transformation is the introduction of ‘Rudra Brigades’—a new formation model integrating various arms of the Indian Army under a single command structure. Breaking away from the traditional model of brigades composed of individual arms, the Rudra brigades will combine:
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Infantry
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Mechanised infantry
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Armoured units
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Artillery
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Special forces
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Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
These brigades will be supported by customised logistics and combat support elements, ensuring greater flexibility, coordination, and battlefield effectiveness.
General Dwivedi revealed that two existing infantry brigades have already been converted into Rudra brigades as part of this restructuring. He stated, “Today’s Indian Army is successfully addressing present-day challenges while also evolving into a future-ready force.”
Bhairav Light Commando Battalions: Agile and Lethal
Another major innovation is the induction of ‘Bhairav’ Light Commando Battalions, which will operate as elite special forces units capable of executing high-impact missions, especially along the border. These battalions are intended to deliver shock action, disrupt enemy positions, and exploit weaknesses during high-intensity operations.
Divyastra Batteries & Loiter Munition: Modernising Artillery
To significantly enhance its firepower, the Army has established ‘Divyastra’ Batteries and Loiter Munition Batteries within the artillery regiments. These units will provide:
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Precision long-range targeting
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Flexible response against moving or concealed enemy targets
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Enhanced deterrence capability
Simultaneously, every infantry battalion has now been equipped with dedicated Drone Platoons, integrating surveillance and strike capabilities at the battalion level.
Indigenous Air Defence Strengthened
General Dwivedi confirmed that the Army Air Defence is being bolstered through the induction of indigenous missile systems, ensuring improved protection against aerial threats and increasing India’s self-reliance in critical defence technologies.
Tributes to Kargil Heroes: Three Memorial Initiatives
To honour the valour and sacrifice of soldiers during the 1999 Kargil War, General Dwivedi launched three special initiatives:
E-Shradhanjali Platform
A digital application allowing citizens to pay virtual homage to martyrs, raising awareness about the lives and sacrifices of soldiers.
QR Code-Based Audio Guide
Installed at various memorials and sites, this feature enables visitors to listen to detailed narratives of Kargil war battles using smartphones and earphones, similar to audio tours in museums.
‘Indus Viewpoint’ in Batalik Sector
A unique tourism and awareness initiative, the Indus Viewpoint allows visitors to travel up to the Line of Control (LoC) in the Batalik sector. This project aims to provide civilians a glimpse into the harsh realities and terrain where Indian soldiers operate daily.
Located at over 10,000 feet above sea level, Batalik played a crucial role during the Kargil conflict, linking Kargil, Leh, and Baltistan.
Operation Sindoor: A Decisive Message to Terror Sponsors
The Army Chief also addressed Operation Sindoor, India’s measured military response to cross-border terrorism. Referring to the May 7 precision strikes, which followed a brutal terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 civilians dead, General Dwivedi said:
“These strikes delivered a clear message to Pakistan that terrorism and its infrastructure will not be tolerated. It was a decisive victory for India, with precise targeting of terror camps and an effective deterrence signal.”