The operational strength of the Indian Army received a notable boost on Saturday with the raising of the 16th ‘Bhairav’ Battalion at the prestigious Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre in Belagavi.
The battalion was formally commissioned at a ceremonial event, during which Brigadier Joydeep Mukherjee, Commandant of the Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre, presented the battalion flag to the Commanding Officer of the newly raised unit.
The Bhairav Battalion, also referred to as a Bhairav Light Commando Battalion, is part of the Indian Army’s newer effort to build lean, high-mobility tactical units that can operate between conventional infantry and Special Forces. Each unit is reported to have around 250 specially trained soldiers and is designed for rapid-response roles, reconnaissance, surprise raids, and other high-intensity missions in sensitive border areas. These battalions are intended to give the Army faster, more flexible options in modern conflict, while relieving some pressure on elite Special Forces formations.
The induction of the ‘Bhairav’ Battalion marks a strategic addition to the Army’s infantry capabilities, particularly in the context of evolving security challenges. Officials highlighted the growing importance of light, mobile, and agile infantry units capable of rapid deployment and effective response across varied terrains and conflict scenarios.
The ceremony underscored the Indian Army’s continued focus on modernisation, capability enhancement, and maintaining a high state of operational readiness.
The Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre, one of the oldest and most respected training establishments of the Indian Army, continues to play a pivotal role in shaping combat-ready soldiers for the nation.