The Army is planning to raise Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) along the borders with Pakistan that will help it carry out swift strikes in case of war, sources said.
The IBG, which aims to integrate different components of theArmy into the new formation, will include artillery guns, tanks, air defenceand logistical elements. This is expected to make it a complete battle-readyunit.
The move comes amid efforts to bring better synergy amongthe three armed forces.
The Army also tested the new fighting concept of IGBs, whoserole is expected to be offensive in nature. Following positive results, theArmy gave green signal to form the specialised units.
At least three such units are likely to come up by the endof this year. The IBGs are likely to be headed by Major General-rank officersand could have troops numbering 5,000.
Gradually, the number of IGBs can be increased along thewestern front.
The issue of IBGs came up for discussion during the ArmyCommanders’ Conference in October last year.
It is also believed to have been discussed last week whentop Army commanders met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
IBGs, officials said, have better integration andself-sufficiency as compared to the existing formations.
At present, in an event of an exigency, a brigade has towait to be aided by different types of units — such as artillery and logistics.This also takes time for mobilizing resourcesand be battle-ready. However, this is not likely to be the issue with IBGs,which will be an inherent part of such units, sources added.