Army’s Infantry Overhaul: Commandos, Drone Platoons and New Firepower for 382 Battalions

The Indian Army is rapidly modernising its 382 infantry battalions to meet tech-driven battlefield demands: new light commando battalions, drone-equipped platoons, upgraded small arms and urgent procurements of anti-tank missiles and loitering munitions.

Key points

• Why: Shift to greater lethality, mobility, situational awareness and survivability for foot soldiers, says DG Infantry Lt-Gen Ajay Kumar.

• Force structure: First five Bhairav light commando battalions (≈250 soldiers each) raised; four more started — plan for 25 such lean strike units within six months. Deployed across corps including Dimapur, Jodhpur, Leh, Srinagar and Nagrota.

• Drones: All 382 battalions have raised “Ashni” FPV drone platoons (20–25 soldiers each) combining ISR and short/medium-range loitering munitions. Nine drone types are under trial.

• Big-ticket buys: ₹2,770 crore contract for 4.2 lakh close-quarter battle carbines (≈60% by Bharat Forge; rest by PLR Systems). Deliveries begin in one year and finish within two.

• Anti-tank & precision: Emergency procurements to plug gaps include 12 Javelin launchers and 104 missiles; trials continue for indigenous man-portable ATGMs.

• Small arms & optics: Move from 5.56 mm to 7.62 mm for assault rifles/light MGs; vintage sniper rifles being replaced by .338 systems; night sights, body armour and foliage-penetration radars being issued.

• Broader kit: Acquisitions also cover ISR drones, kamikaze/loitering munitions, SD radios, specialist light vehicles and training upgrades.

Bottom line:
The infantry — India’s largest arm — is being reshaped into a more networked, strike-capable force to bridge gaps with special forces and counter contemporary threats along Pakistan and China fronts.