Army validates new battle architecture in Arunachal high-altitude drill

The Army’s three recent changes to its battle architecture were validated during exercise “Poorvi Prachand Prahar” in the high-altitude terrain of Arunachal Pradesh.

These reforms, introduced after the May 7-10 skirmish with Pakistan, were tested through the participation of new units — the Bhairav Battalion, Divyastra batteries and Ashni platoons of infantry — all raised after Operation Sindoor. Their operational roles were successfully validated during the exercise.

A Bhairav Battalion consists of about 250 highly trained personnel drawn from multiple arms — infantry, artillery, air defence and signals — to form multi-skilled, integrated teams for cohesive action.

The Divyastra battery is a modern artillery unit integrating long-range guns, surveillance drones, loitering munitions and anti-drone systems.

Ashni units have surveillance drones and loitering munitions, also known as kamikaze drones. Each infantry battalion has an Ashni unit that has the ability to do precision strikes, which was lacking in previous border operations.

These new capabilities were employed alongside manoeuvre elements, attack helicopters and IAF platforms, creating a synchronised, technology-enabled battlespace. The exercise showcased rapid mobilisation, tri-service interoperability and multi-domain coordination, underscoring the forces’ preparedness for emerging threats along the northern borders.

Cutting-edge technologies — including night-capable, all-weather drones, swarm drones and advanced unmanned aerial systems — provided real-time surveillance, precision targeting and coordinated firepower.

It also featured seamless integration of the Army with sister services and central forces such as the ITBP, along with several other agencies, in conducting high-altitude, all-terrain operations in the Eastern theatre.