The Indian Army’s elite Bhairav Battalion, tasked with operational duties along the Indo-Pak border, on Thursday demonstrated its capabilities at the Dhyan Chand Stadium in Pathankot. The display showcased anti-terror missions, heliborne operations and border defence exercises.
The stadium was converted into a simulated battlefield for over an hour. Troops carried out operational drills and battle manoeuvres. BrahMos and Akash missile batteries were showcased, along with tank units, including the Ajeya series and the latest field guns. Armed helicopters, including Apache attack helicopters, supported the display. Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were also part of the exercise.
Amid controlled blasts and live firing demonstrations, the scenario included coordinated heliborne operations and ground assaults. Troops simulated the demolition of a terror hideout using robotic mules and sniffer dogs.
The demonstration was held during an investiture ceremony-cum-display organised by the Western Command. It highlighted India’s modern weapon systems and platforms. The event also showcased operational preparedness through the Bhairav Battalion, indigenously developed drones and networked battlefield systems, Defence PRO Lt Col Suneel Bartwal said.
Addressing the troops at the training ground, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command, Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, said holding the ceremony in a field setting instead of a conventional hall showed the Army’s emphasis on combat readiness.
“Instead of a ceremonial display, we chose to showcase modern equipment and operational strength. This is our way of thanking units that performed exceptionally during Operation Sindoor,” he said, congratulating Western Command formations for their role in the operation.
Drones swarmed the sky in coordinated formations, some armed with missiles. The sight drew attention and curiosity from spectators present at the venue. The Army commander said the force is raising dedicated ‘Ashin’ drone platoons across infantry, artillery and armoured regiments to enhance drone warfare capabilities. He added that specialised ‘Bhairav’ units will be assigned deep operations inside hostile territory.
He said the Army has restructured its formations, recognising the growing role of drones in modern warfare. “We realised that the use of drones is extremely important. Therefore, we have integrated drone usage across all units, right down to the smallest sub-units,” he added.
The Bhairav Battalion is a newly formed elite light commando force that officially debuted in January 2026. It was created to bridge the operational gap between conventional infantry and the Para Special Forces. During the event, the battalion demonstrated aerial and ground operations, including simulated destruction of terrorist camps.
“These specialised battalions are meant to further enhance our strike and special operations capability. In the coming times, small, agile teams capable of operating independently and penetrating deep into enemy territory will be required,” Lt Gen Katiyar said. He added that Bhairav units will be deployed for operations deep inside hostile areas.
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