Analysing India's integrated battle groups:

Integrated battle groups (IBG) is a self-contained, agile and brigade-sized group with a manpower of 5,000 soldiers and headed by an officer at the rank of Major General. It is formed in order to reach and neutralise a perceived threats and adversaries within a maximum span of 48 hours. The idea of IBGs find its roots in the Cold start doctrine. The cold start doctrine envisages conversion of current field formations into a robust and pivot formation capable of initiating launch pads for strike formation.

The primary objective for the formation of integrated battle groups is to increase the operational efficiency by minimising the time taken for the force to reach the battle theatre and to increase the mobilisation of forces. And mainly it will reduce the need for logistical support.

The Integrated battle groups consist of various defence systems such as namely, Infantry, Mechanised Infantry artillery, Engineers, Signal, UAV, Air Defence, Logistics, service and etc. They are created based on the 3T’s model i.e., Threat, Terrain and Task. Each and Every IBG change according to their geo-location, objective and other operational requirements.

The integrated battle groups are currently in the testing stage. It is tested at the Western border, by the 9 Corps of the Indian Army. This will help the army to analyse the actual status of Integrated battle groups in carrying out its regular tasks and help in fine-tuning themselves to that environment.

The IBG’s are tailor-made for both offensive and defensive roles. They are capable of performing tough assignments such as cross-border attacks, tactical operations, counter-insurgency operations, Blitzkrieg operations and etc. IBGs are also capable of conducting independent military operations. 

   The greatest advantages in replacing the current formation with this new formation is that, at first it is a self-contained group i.e., it is capable of fulfilling its own demand. secondly, they can reach the action area within a span of 12 hours to 48 hours and counter the threat within a short span of time. Third, they are huge in numbers. Fourth, they require less logistical support and air support.

The Integrated battle groups will be a humungous success and a game changer in handling incoming threats and challenges, especially in future wars