New Delhi, July 1: China has made significant changes to its military structure, dividing the entire country into five theater commands. In response, the Indian Army has initiated the formation of Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) to counter these developments, particularly in the Western Theater Command adjacent to the Indian border.
As of July 1, six Major General-ranked officers have taken command of five IBGs and one Fire Support Group. The Indian Army had previously established Mountain Corps to enhance its combat capabilities in high-altitude areas. The first IBG has been created under the Eastern Sector’s Mountain Strike Corps, resulting in the dissolution of traditional divisions that were a crucial part of this strike corps.
The purpose of the IBG is to integrate various combat capabilities—infantry, armored, artillery, and army aviation—under a unified command for improved coordination and rapid response. Each IBG is now led by a two-star general, or Major General. The Mountain Strike Corps IBG includes infantry soldiers, infantry combat vehicles, tanks, artillery guns, and helicopters, all prepared for swift action in any weather condition.
Previously, infantry, artillery, and tank regiments operated as separate units. Now, within the IBG framework, they will function under an integrated structure. This change will significantly reduce the time required to assemble units deployed in different locations during combat situations. The IBGs will operate similarly to rapid response forces.
In addition to the five IBGs, the Indian Army has established a distinct Fire Support Group (FSG), also commanded by a two-star general. The FSG will serve as the center for the army’s long-range firepower on the battlefield, integrating long-range artillery guns, multi-barrel rocket launcher systems, precision strike weapons, and advanced surveillance systems under a single command.
These groups will provide immediate fire support to any IBG as needed, saving time in gathering artillery or rocket systems from different formations. This will enable commanders to access more precise and effective firepower in a shorter time frame. In essence, the FSG will function as a common firepower pool for the IBGs, ready for immediate deployment on any front.
The Indian Army’s objective is to prepare and deploy IBGs for the security of its western and eastern borders. Unlike the traditional structure where divisions fall under a core, the IBG model eliminates this layer, enhancing decision-making speed and operational response.
Each IBG will consist of infantry soldiers, tanks, artillery, engineers, logistics, and other essential support units, totaling approximately 5,500 to 6,000 soldiers. Previously, these units operated separately and came together only during wartime. However, under the IBG system, they will train together even in peacetime.
The structure of each IBG will vary according to geographical conditions and operational requirements. The IBG concept was successfully trialed during the ‘Himvijay’ exercise conducted near the China border a few years ago.
China has also rapidly developed combined arms brigades, with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) restructuring its forces. Reports indicate that the PLA has transformed four divisions in the Xinjiang Military District into combined arms brigades.
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