New Delhi, June 19: In order to strike hard during the war, the Indian Army is planning to raise Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) along the borders with Pakistan. The IBG consists of artillery guns, tanks, air defence and logistical elements will be a complete battle-ready unit. The move, part of the "Cold Start" doctrine, comes amid efforts to bring better synergy among Army, Navy and Air Force.

The Army decided to form IBGs as it received positive results after testing new fighting concepts of the specialised units. It is planning to raise three IBGs by the end of this year. It may further decide to raise the number of IBGs along the western border. Major General-rank officers are expected to head these units that could have troops numbering 5000, news agency PTI reported. Army Has Managed Situation Well Along China, Pakistan Borders, Says Chief Bipin Rawat.

The issue of IBGs came up for discussion during the Army Commanders’ Conference in October last year. The issue was also discussed during a meeting of top Army commanders with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh last week. The IBG, which aims to integrate different components of the Army into the new formation, have better integration and self-sufficiency, said Army officials. Indian Army is Conservative, Can't Allow Homosexuals: Chief.

At present, in an event of an exigency, a brigade has to wait to be aided by different types of units — such as artillery and logistics. However, this is not likely to be the issue with IBGs, which will be an inherent part of such units, sources were quoted as saying. The Army also plans to raise IBGs along borders with China as well.

"The plan is to raise two to three IBGs in the plains of Jammu, Punjab and Rajasthan for the Pakistan border by October-November. The ones meant for China will come up under the new 17 Mountain Strike Corps being raised at Pannagarh (West Bengal) later," TOI quoted sources as saying.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 19, 2019 11:55 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).