India raises 16th Bhairav Battalion at Belagavi

Key facts

• The Indian Army raised the 16th ‘Bhairav’ Battalion at the Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre in Belagavi.
• The 16th ‘Bhairav’ Battalion is also referred to as the Bhairav Light Commando Battalion.
• These units are designed as lean, high-mobility tactical units for rapid-response roles, reconnaissance, surprise raids, and high-intensity missions in sensitive border areas.
• The Indian Army has raised at least 16 Bhairav battalions, with plans to raise a total of 25.
• Each unit consists of 250-300 specially trained soldiers.
• The battalions are intended to fill the operational gap between conventional infantry and special forces.
• Troops for these battalions are drawn from various arms, including infantry, artillery, air defence, and signals.
• The first Bhairav Battalion was announced in July 2025 and made its public debut during the 77th Republic Day parade on 26 January.