Indian Army is setting up ‘Integrated battle groups’ along the Pakistan border which will be self-sufficient to fight a war

• Indian Army is planning to raise three new integrated battle groups (IBG’s) along the border with Pakistan.
  
• The plan was discussed in the Army commander’s conference in October, 2018 and now awaits Defence Ministry’s final approval.
  
• The Indian army plans to raise similar IBG units along China border.

Enhancing its battle readiness and capabilities for swifter action along the borders with Pakistan and China, the Indian army is planning to raise its first ever Integrated Battle Groups (IBG’s).

The army is reportedly finalizing the project and approached the Defence Ministry for approval. Army headquarters have already approved the plan.

"The Indian Army has carried out successful test of the new integrated battle group concept which will be a battle formation with heavy firepower including armoured, infantry and all other war fighting capabilities. We are going to raise three of these formations by October this year," the Army said as per reports.


In a first, three integrated battle groups are going to be raised along the borders of Pakistan. The plan will further be extended to the McMahon Line as well.

Swift mobilisation

The integrated battle groups will aid swifter troop and equipment mobilization into the enemy territory. It could be done at a short notice -- even before the enemy gets ready to tackle the thrust.


The IBG’s are a part of Army Chief General Bipin Rawat’s initiatives to reorganise and right-size the operational structure. They integrate different components of the Army like artillery guns, tanks, air defence and logistical elements, says Economic Times.


Efforts are also underway for better synergy between the Army, Navy and the Air Force.