‘Bhairav’, ‘Shaktibaan’ and Hybrid Conflict: Indian Army’s Mega Leap into Drone Warfare

The Indian Army is undergoing a profound transformation, embracing unmanned systems as the centrepiece of future combat. Recognizing that drones and loitering munitions are no longer niche technologies but decisive tools of modern warfare, the Army is raising specialized units to bridge capability gaps and prepare for hybrid conflict scenarios.

At the forefront of this restructuring are the newly formed Shaktibaan regiments, part of the Regiment of Artillery. With 15–20 regiments planned, these units will be equipped with swarm drones, long‑range UAVs, and loitering munitions capable of striking targets from 5 km to 500 km. This fills a critical strike gap between conventional artillery and strategic systems like the BrahMos cruise missile and Pinaka rockets. To accelerate deployment, the Army is issuing fast‑track tenders for 850 loitering munitions and launchers, ensuring operational readiness within two years.

Complementing Shaktibaan are Divyastra batteries, 35–40 units designed to integrate diverse drone types for lethal precision strikes. Meanwhile, the Infantry is modernizing through Ashmi platoons in each battalion, embedding drone capability at the tactical level.

The most symbolic leap, however, lies in the creation of Bhairav Commandos—a special force at Corps Headquarters level. Trained in both surveillance and attack drones, these commandos combine traditional special operations skills with unmanned warfare expertise. Equipped with AK‑pattern rifles, Dragunov‑type sniper systems, and specialized drone arsenals, Bhairav operatives embody the Army’s “Eagle on every Arm” vision, where every soldier is empowered with drone capability.

Operational experience has already validated this shift. During Operation Sindoor, Indian forces deployed loitering munitions such as Nagastra, Sky Striker, Harpy, and Harop to destroy enemy bases and disrupt Pakistan Army positions.

Together, Bhairav, Shaktibaan, and Divyastra represent a mega leap in India’s military posture—signaling a future where unmanned systems, swarm tactics, and hybrid conflict define the battlefield. This restructuring, driven by Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, positions India to meet the challenges of modern warfare with indigenous innovation and decisive force projection.