India’s armed forces are set to get a significant boost in their special operations capabilities with the creation of a new elite unit, the Bhairav Light Commando Battalion, announced by Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi on the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas in Dras.

“We are raising the 'Bhairav Light Commando Battalion', a highly lethal special forces formation designed to deliver surprise and shock to adversaries at the border. This unit will be equipped with advanced technologies and tactics tailored for high-impact operations,” said Gen Dwivedi during his address at the Kargil War Memorial.

The new battalion is designed to join the ranks of India’s most formidable special forces (SF) units, known for their specialised training, stealth operations, and critical roles in national security.

India currently maintains several such elite forces:

  • Para Special Forces (Para SF) – The Indian Army’s premier special forces unit, known for surgical strikes, counter-terrorism, and cross-border operations.
  • MARCOS (Marine Commandos) – The Indian Navy’s SF unit, trained for amphibious warfare and maritime counter-terrorism.
  • Garud Commando Force – Operated by the Indian Air Force, this unit handles airfield protection, combat search and rescue, and behind-enemy-lines missions.
  • COBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) – A specialist guerrilla warfare unit under the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), widely deployed in anti-Naxal operations across India's jungles.
  • National Security Guard (NSG) – Known as the “Black Cats,” this elite counter-terrorism force functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
  • Special Group (SG) – A covert special missions unit under the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), India’s external intelligence agency.

On the solemn occasion of the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi announced the formation of two major combat formations, the ‘Rudra’ all-arms brigade and the elite ‘Bhairav Light Commando Battalion’.

According to the Army Chief, the ‘Rudra’ brigade will be a fully integrated combat unit, bringing together infantry, mechanised infantry, tanks, artillery, special forces, and unmanned aerial systems under a unified command structure.

“This brigade will integrate infantry, mechanised infantry, tanks, artillery units, special forces, and unmanned aerial systems into a single, cohesive combat formation, supported by dedicated logistics and combat support structures,” he explained.

In a parallel move to enhance border operational readiness, Gen Dwivedi also revealed the creation of a new elite special forces unit.

“We are raising the 'Bhairav Light Commando Battalion', a highly lethal special forces formation designed to deliver surprise and shock to adversaries at the border. This unit will be equipped with advanced technologies and tactics tailored for high-impact operations,” he said.

India observes Kargil Vijay Diwas every year on July 26 to honour the soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1999 Kargil War. The war, which lasted over two months, ended with India regaining control of key posts that had been occupied by Pakistani intruders along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.