Integrated Battle Groups-IBG

The Idea of Integrated battle groups (IBG) was first conceptualized by General Bipin Rawat, the then Chief of Army Staff (CAS). Want to know more about IBG?? then read further.

About Integrated Battle Groups

IBGs are brigade-sized agile and self-sufficient combat formations. They are designed to swiftly launch strikes against adversaries in case of hostilities.

The objective is to make the force more lethal and suitable for modern warfare

Each Ibg would be tailormade based on Threat, Terrain, and tasks upon which they operate. They need to be light, so they will be low on logistics.

IBGs will be able to mobilize within 12-48 hours based on their location. Each IBG will be smaller than a brigade (3000-3500) but smaller than a division (10000-12000). Each IBG will be headed by a Major General.

IBGs will involve the integration of infantry, armored tank regiments, artillery, unmanned ariel vehicles (UAVs), combat engineers, and signals into one fighting unit. They can either be defensive and offensive

While offensive IBGs would quickly mobilize and make a thrust into enemy territory for strikes, defensive IBgs would hold ground at vulnerable points.

Significance Of IBGs

• Responsive: It will help faster punitive and defensive operations
• Mobilization: IBGs will be able to execute their operations swiftly.
• Resource use efficiency: In the eventuality of a two-front war scenario, IBGs would help optimize resource allocation.
• Effective deterrence: It will help in effectively implementing the cold start doctrine.

Curious to know more about the Cold start Doctrine?

The Cold Start doctrine envisages swift deployment of troops on the western border within days if a situation of a full-blown war arises. The operation would be carried out by a unified battle group involving various branches of India’s military.

This doctrine aims to allow Indian forces to conduct sustained attacks while preventing a nuclear retaliation from Pakistan. The operation would be carried out by a unified battle group involving various branches of India’s military.

It prepares the army in such a manner that offensive operations could be undertaken within 48 hours of the orders being issued, enabling the Indian troops to take their Pakistani counterparts by surprise.

Eager to know more about military doctrines? Click here

For more internal security related notes,click here

Other Similar Measures for Military Modernisation

Other than IBGs,the military has undertaken the following reforms:

• Battlefield Management System (BMS): The BMS is aimed to integrate combat units-armored, artillery, and infantry and infantry battalions, helicopter flights, etc into a digital network.
• Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) : To improve the capability of defense forces in detecting and controlling cross-border crimes.

Need For Military Modernisation

• Hostile neighborhood possibilities of a two-front war can’t be ruled out.
• Net Security provider-Indias superpower aspirations would get a sufficient boost if she continues her role as a net security provider.
• Multi-dimensional Role-Army undertakes multi-dimensional roles like managing external threats and internal security threats like disaster management.
• Coordination-There is a need to improve coordination among defense forces and intelligence agencies.

Conclusion

The defense forces are the sentinels of peace and security of a nation. A timely degradation of their capabilities eventually adds to the prosperity of the nation.IBGs are a necessary reform considering the multidimensional role of the military.

Article written by : Vivek Rajasekharan