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Question by Suryansh Jain: What are Integrated Battle Groups (IBG’s)? What is their role in modern warfare?

Answer: Sir, the IBGs are agile and self-sufficient combat formations which can swiftly launch strikes against adversary. Each IBG would be tailor made based on the:

• Threat perception,
• The Terrain that the IBG will be operating in. For example, an IBG operating in a desert needs to be constituted differently from one operating in the mountains
• The Task given to the IBG.

Accordingly, assets, officers & soldiers will be allotted to the IBG so that it does not have to carry assets it does not require for the task. The lighter battle group thus, will be able to mobilise within 12 to 48 hours based on the location it is deployed.

For example, If the threat across the border is from mechanized infantry, then the IBG must be equipped accordingly. We also know that if we cross the border during battle, we will encounter aerial attack. Hence, Anti Air missiles and guns (including AAD Officers & men) will be part of the IBG. In another sector, if the threat is from Armoured formations such as tanks, so the IBG will be provided anti-tank weapons and tanks. The signals corps of the Indian Army is responsible for all military communications. However, the IBG will be independent in signaling equipment, officers and soldiers who can operate them. We will also have to look at whether the IBG will need artillery support and where can it be deployed. Similarly, adequate logistics support material and soldiers will accompany the IBG deployed in an area.

Lastly, the composition of IBGs would also depend on whether the role of IBG is going to be defensive or offensive. While the offensive IBGs would quickly mobilise and make thrust into enemy territory for strikes, defensive IBGs would hold ground at vulnerable points or where enemy action is expected.

An IBG, will be a little smaller than a division, will integrate the existing elements of infantry, tank regiments, artillery, air defence, engineers and signals. It will comprise six battalions (total 3000 to 5000 soldiers) of these elements and will be directly under a Corps.

The current Indian Army structures are more of a legacy of the colonial era British Army which was perhaps meant for fighting long wars in distant lands. In modern warfare, surprise, speed, and heavy punch is required for ensuring maximum damage to the enemy. Thus, the Indian Army is restructuring its forces (IBG’s).

Note:

• Army has initiated four major studies to undertake overall transformation of the force. These include restructuring of Army Headquarters; force restructuring which includes creation of Integrated Battle Groups (IBG); the cadre review of officers; and review of the terms and conditions of Junior Commissioned Officers and Other Ranks. The aim is holistic integration to enhance the operational and functional efficiency, optimise budget expenditure, facilitate force modernisation and address aspirations of personnel.
• The concept of IBGs was first tested by the 17 Corps, the country’s first mountain strike corps during a military exercise in the northern borders in 2018.
• The concept of IBGs has also been test-bedded at the 9 Corps at the western border with Pakistan, and the Army is fine-tuning them based on ground feedback. The first operational Integrated Battle Group (IBG) will come up under the army’s 9 Corps under the Western Command by 2021.
• A command is the largest static formation of the Army spread across a defined geography (Ex, Northern Command). Whereas a corps is the largest mobile formation. Typically, each corps has three divisions and each division has three brigades.  A Brigade generally consists of around 3,000 combat troops with supporting elements. An Infantry Brigade usually has 3 Infantry Battalions along with various Support Elements. It is commanded by a brigade commander who is headed by a major General.