The Indian Army is going to set up an “all-arms brigade” which will be known as “Rudra” under which fighting components like the infantry, mechanised infantry, armoured units, artillery, special forces, and unmanned aerial systems have been integrated, Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi announced on the occasion of the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas on Saturday.

Two of the Army’s infantry brigades deployed in border areas have already been converted into Rudra, which will receive specially prepared logistics support and combat support.

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“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. This will have fighting components like infantry, mechanised infantry, armored units, artillery, special forces, and unmanned aerial systems, supported by tailored logistics and combat support,” General Dwivedi said.

Similarly, agile and lethal special forces units, ‘Bhairav’ Light Commando Battalions, have been established to shock the enemy on the border, the Army chief said.

“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 maintained.

General Dwivedi stressed that, given India’s geographical position and the continuous hostile environment along its borders, the Army Air defence is being provided the required firepower to make it lethal with indigenous missile system. “We are developing new roads and infrastructure at the border. Also, battle, adventure and heritage tourism are being developed”.

General Dwivedi also recalled the Indian forces’ success in the recent Operation Sindoor precision strikes, which were carried out to dismantle Pakistani terror infrastructure in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians on April 22.

General Dwivedi called it a “deep wound” for the entire nation and said the forces were resolved to deliver a well-planned, precise, and decisive response.

“On the night of May 6-7, the Indian Army targeted nine high-value terrorist locations in Pakistan and POJK without harming any innocent civilians. This was not just a response; it was a clear message: “Those who harbour terrorism will no longer escape,” he said.

Following India’s Operation Sindoor strikes, Pakistani forces resorted to unprovoked drone and missile attacks on India’s military and non-military locations, which were effectively thwarted by India’s S-400 air defence system. The cross-border conflict came to a halt on May 10, after both countries reached a ceasefire agreement.

“Whatever forces are planning to harm the sovereignty, integrity or people of India, they have been given a befitting reply, and will continue to be given,” General Dwivedi warned.

Basking in the glory of the 1999 Kargil victory, the Army chief remembered the war heroes and laid a wreath at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass.

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“Today, on this auspicious occasion, I express my heartfelt gratitude to the parents, brave women and all the family members of the heroes of the Kargil war. You gave the nation its heroes. Your courage, patience and sacrifice are an inspiration to all of us. Today, the entire country respectfully salutes your unique contribution and unwavering patriotism,” General Updendra Dwivedi said.

– Ends