Charting a bold path towards transformation on Kargil Vijay Diwas, Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi announced the formation of new integrated ‘all-arms brigades’ under the title ‘Rudra’, intended to bring mechanised infantry, artillery, special forces, drones, and logistics under a unified command structure.
Addressing troops and dignitaries at the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas commemoration in Dras on Saturday, Dwivedi underlined the Indian Army’s evolving combat architecture, calling it a “future-oriented force” equipped to handle emerging threats across multiple domains.
“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,” he declared. “This will have fighting components like infantry, mechanised infantry, armoured units, artillery, special forces, and unmanned aerial systems, supported by tailored logistics and combat support.”
Army sources indicated that two infantry brigades have already been converted into Rudra units. Unlike conventional arm-specific brigades, these formations will integrate multiple combat elements, allowing greater operational flexibility and faster response.
Elaborating on structural upgrades, Dwivedi introduced new specialised units, including ‘Bhairav’ Light Commando Battalions — that will serve as agile and lethal special forces teams positioned along the border.
“Similarly, agile and lethal special forces units, ‘Bhairav’ Light Commando Battalions, have been established to shock the enemy on the border. Every infantry battalion now includes Drone Platoons, while artillery has enhanced its firepower manifold through ‘Divyastra Batteries’ and Loiter Munition Batteries. Army Air Defence is being equipped with indigenous missile systems. This will increase our force multifold,” he noted.
Also read: Army chief recalls Op Sindoor on Kargil Vijay Diwas
Signalling India’s assertive military posture, the Army chief invoked Operation Sindoor, India’s retaliatory cross-border strike following the Pahalgam terror attack, to send a firm warning to Pakistan.
“The cowardly terrorist attack in Pahalgam was a deep wound for the entire nation. But this time, India did not just mourn; it resolved to respond decisively. With the unwavering trust of the nation and the strategic autonomy granted by the government, the Indian Army delivered a well-planned, precise, and decisive response,” he said.
He confirmed that on the night of 6–7 May, nine high-value terror hubs across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir were struck with surgical precision. “This was not just a response; it was a clear message: Those who harbour terrorism will no longer escape,” Dwivedi said.
From 7 to 9 May, Indian forces remained on high alert as Pakistan attempted retaliatory action. “Our Army Air Defence stood as an impregnable wall, impenetrable by any drone or missile,” he said. “This was achieved through a Whole-of-Nation Approach, where the Army, Air Force, Navy, and other government agencies stood united.”
General Dwivedi's statement underlined an uncompromising stance against cross-border militancy and a renewed resolve to uphold territorial integrity with coordinated inter-service operations.
“The message is unambiguous, any forces planning to harm India’s sovereignty, integrity, or people have been given a befitting reply and will continue to receive one,” he concluded.
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