On the 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi announced the creation of new, powerful all-arms brigades named ‘Rudra’. These brigades will bring together various fighting units under one command to make the Army faster and more ready for future battles.

Speaking in Dras, Kargil, General Dwivedi explained that these changes are part of the Army’s goal to become a “modern and future-oriented force.”

“Today’s Indian Army is not only successfully addressing current challenges but is also rapidly advancing as a transformative, modern, and future-oriented force. Under this, new all-arms brigades named ‘Rudra’ are being formed, and I approved it yesterday. This will have fighting components like infantry, mechanised infantry, armored units, artillery, special forces, and unmanned aerial systems, supported by tailored logistics and combat support,” he said.

What are ‘Rudra’ brigades?

The Rudra Brigades will include several types of military units, such as infantry, armoured vehicles, artillery, drones, and even special forces, all working together. Earlier, the Indian Army only had brigades that were specific to one type of force.

According to sources, two infantry brigades have already been converted into Rudra Brigades.

New special forces and drone units

General Dwivedi also shared updates about other improvements. The Army has formed new light commando battalions called ‘Bhairav’, designed for quick and strong attacks near the border.

“Similarly, agile and lethal special forces units, ‘Bhairav’ Light Commando Battalions, have been established to shock the enemy on the border,” he said.

Every infantry unit now has Drone Platoons, and artillery power has increased with ‘Divyastra Batteries’ and Loiter Munition Batteries. The Army Air Defence is also being upgraded with home-grown missile systems, the Army Chief said.

During his speech, General Dwivedi strongly referred to Operation Sindoor, which was India’s response to the terror attack in Pahalgam, where 26 civilians were killed.

“The cowardly terrorist attack in Pehalgam was a deep wound for the entire nation. But this time, India did not just mourn; it resolved to respond decisively... On the night of May 6-7, the Indian Army targeted nine high-value terrorist locations in Pakistan and POJK without harming any innocent civilians. This was not just a response; it was a clear message: ‘Those who harbor terrorism will no longer escape,’” he said.

The Army Chief added that India gave a carefully planned and accurate response from May 7 to 9 to Pakistan’s actions, while ensuring no harm to civilians.

“Our Army Air Defence stood as an impregnable wall, impenetrable by any drone or missile. This was achieved through a Whole-of-Nation Approach, where the Army, Air Force, Navy, and other government agencies stood united,” he said.

He further warned that anyone trying to harm India will continue to get a strong and fitting reply.

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