The concept of Integrated Battle Groups (IBG) was introduced in 2018 by the then Chief of the Army Staff General Bipin Rawat.[12]
The Integrated Battle Groups are Brigade-sized, self-sufficient combined arms formations commanded by an officer of the rank Major General. The IBGs are meant to transform the overall field formation of the Indian Army. As of July 2019, the new concept of formations has been test-bedded with the IX Corps and were being reorganised based on the basis of feedbacks. The formation of a specific IBG shall depend on three T's – Threat, Terrain and Task. The resources will be allocated based on the same conditions. The formations will be organised so that they can be mobilised within 12-48 hours of notice. The traditional field formation of the Indian Army includes Commands (largest static formation spread across a defined geography) which consists of Corps (largest mobile formation). A Corps typically consists of 3 Divisions which in turn is composed of 3 or more Brigades. This structure is to be replaced by IBG structure. Each IBG, as of 2019, deploys 5,000 troops and includes infantry, armoured, artillery and air defence units. The composition of IBG also depends on its nature – offensive or defensive. While Offensive IBG will be designed to be mobilised instantly and thrust into enemy territory for strike operations, the Defensive IBG will be tasked to hold ground at vulnerable points where enemy action is expected.[13]
In October 2019, the XVII Corps conducted the first edition of Exercise Him Vijay which included three Integrated Battle Groups from the 59 Infantry Division each including 5,000 troops along with a combination of tanks, artillery and other assets. This was the first field implementation of such a formation. The new restructuring will further reduce the 72-hours response time determined in the Cold Start Doctrine to under 24 hours.[14]
As of May 2022, the IBGs were test-bedded by IX Corps and further validated by the XVII Corps. The Army identified these Holding Coprs in the Western Front and the Strike Corps in the Northern/Eastern Front for total 'IBG-isation'. The 'IBG-isation' is being done parallel to the formation of Integrated Theatre Commands to integrate the Armed Forces into larger theatres. The IBGs will replace the traditional Brigades (3,000-3,500 troops) and Divisions (10,000 to 12,000 troops) existing in the Army.[15][16]
As of June 2024, 2 IBGs under 9 Corps and 5 IBGs under 17 Corps has been raised under Phase-1 and 2, respectively. These formations were war-gamed and validated in multiple exercises. The Army HQ had earlier submitted the report on Phase-1 of 'IBG-isation' to the Defence Ministry while the same for Phase 2 is to be submitted before issuing the official Government Sanction Letter (GSL). The original plan was to first carve out 8-10 IBGs (5,000 to 6,000 troops each) initially and then create more over the years. As of now, the Army has 14 Corps (40,000 to 70,000 troops each), with four of them being strike formations.[17]
By November 2024, the Army submitted a draft Government Sanction Letter seeking official approval for the establishment of these IBGs. The issuing of the GSL will imply the approval for the implementation of IBGs. Post approval, the Army aims to have the IBGs operational by 2025.
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