Integrated Battle Groups | 14 May 2020
Why in News
Recently, the Army chief said that a comprehensive testing of the Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) has concluded but its roll out has been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Key Points
- IBGs are brigade sized agile self-sufficient combat formations which can swiftly launch strikes against adversaries.
- IBGs can be mobilised within 12-48 hours based on the location.
- Each IBG would be organised on the basis of Threat, Terrain and Task and resources to each battle group will be allocated on the basis of 3Ts.
- For example, the composition of every IBG would differ on the basis of the terrain where it is located i.e. an IBG operating in a desert needs to be constituted differently from one operating in the mountains.
- Each IBG will be headed by a Major General.
- The integrated units for the border will be all-encompassing, with artillery, armoured, combat engineers and signal units.
- IBGs have been classified into- Defensive and Offensive.
- Defensive IBGs would hold ground at vulnerable points or where enemy action is expected.
- Offensive IBGs have the ability to quickly mobilise and make thrust into enemy territory for strikes.
- After years of deliberations, the Army decided to raise the IBGs along the borders with China and Pakistan that will help it carry out swift strikes in case of a war.