Indian Army raises 16th ‘Bhairav’ Battalion at Maratha Light Infantry Centre in Belagavi

The operational strength of the Indian Army was enhanced with the raising of the 16th ‘Bhairav’ Battalion on April 25 at the Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre in Belagavi.

The newly formed unit, known as the Bhairav Light Commando Battalion, is designed as a lean and high-mobility force capable of operating in the space between conventional infantry and Special Forces.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the battalion is tailored for “high-mobility missions, adaptive manoeuvres and precise strikes,” with a particular focus on mountainous terrain, as well as counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.

The battalion draws its ethos and traditions from the Maratha Light Infantry, one of the oldest and most distinguished infantry regiments of the Indian Army, known for its rich operational legacy.

Comprising specially selected and rigorously trained personnel, the unit reflects the Army’s broader push to build agile, mission-ready forces capable of responding to evolving security challenges.

The induction of the 16th Bhairav Battalion underscores the continued relevance of light infantry units in modern warfare and aligns with ongoing efforts by the Indian Army to enhance operational preparedness and flexibility across diverse combat scenarios.

Source: TOI