Indian Army creates five Integrated Battle Groups, one Fire Support Group in major military reform

The Indian Army on Wednesday carried out one of its biggest organisational reforms in recent decades by raising five Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) and one dedicated Fire Support Group (FSG), TOI reported. Six major generals have taken charge of the newly created formations, which are intended to enable faster, leaner and more decisive military responses.

The move marks the first large-scale implementation of the Integrated Battle Group concept, which aims to replace lengthy mobilisation procedures with integrated, mission-ready combat formations capable of responding to threats at short notice.

Pilot project under 17 Mountain Strike Corps

The new structure is being introduced as a pilot project under the 17 Mountain Strike Corps, which will serve as the testing ground for the IBG and FSG model.


Each Integrated Battle Group is designed as a self-contained formation, bringing together infantry, mechanised forces, armour, artillery, engineers, air defence, signals and logistics under a single commander. The integrated structure allows the formation to deploy and operate as a unified force instead of being assembled during a crisis.

Chief Operations Officer introduced

As part of the reforms, the Army has introduced the position of Chief Operations Officer (COO), a Brigadier-level appointment responsible for coordinating planning, intelligence, logistics, firepower and battlefield execution, as reported by TOI.

The new role is intended to allow the commanding major general to concentrate on broader strategic and operational decisions.

Focus on faster military response

The Integrated Battle Group model has been introduced to improve the speed of military operations. By delegating greater authority to field commanders and reducing the chain of command, the Army aims to respond more quickly to tactical developments and mobilise combat power in a shorter period.

Fire Support Group to strengthen precision strike capability

The newly created Fire Support Group will bring together long-range artillery, rocket systems, precision strike capabilities and surveillance assets under a single commander. The formation is intended to provide concentrated firepower in support of Integrated Battle Group operations.

Part of wider military modernisation

The rollout of the IBGs and the Fire Support Group forms part of the Army's broader modernisation and transformation programme aimed at building a leaner and more capable force.

The ongoing reforms include the creation of more agile formations, greater jointness with other services, integration of drones and loitering munitions, expansion of network-centric warfare and decentralisation of command.

According to the Army, the introduction of the IBG and FSG model, along with continued technological integration and organisational changes, represents a significant step towards developing a future-ready force.

(With inputs from TOI)