Context

The Army’s new concept of agile Integrated Battle Groups (IBG) as part of the overall force transformation is going to be operationalised very soon.

About

• An IBG is a mix of infantry, artillery, air defence, tanks and logistics units, as part of bringing a change in warfighting capability.
• The IBGs are brigade sized agile self-sufficient combat formations which, can swiftly launch strikes against adversary.
• Each IBG would be tailor made based on Threat, Terrain and Task and resources will be allotted based on the three Ts.
• They will be able to mobilise within 12-48 hours based on the location.
• The Army has extensively “test bedded” the IBGs to fine-tune the concept.

The impact

• They are to replace the current Cold Start Doctrine, which called for defensive corps to carry out shallow cross-border thrusts within 72 hours for limited objectives such as the capture of territory. Gen.
• The IBGs are to perform both offensive roles, involving cross-border operations, and defensive roles to withstand an enemy attack.

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.

What is Cold Start doctrine (CSD)? The Indian Army's so-called Cold Start doctrine (CSD), also known as Pro-Active doctrine, envisages swift deployment of troops on the western border within days if a situation of a full-blown war arises. This doctrine aims to allow Indian forces to conduct sustained attacks while preventing a nuclear retaliation from Pakistan. It was after the conclusion of Operation Parakram in the year 2002, a military standoff between India and Pakistan, that the ‘Cold Start’ doctrine began to find a place in the Indian military setup.

Significance of IBG

• The IBG will help the Army carry out swift strikes in case of a war situation. 
• All the IBGs will be theatre-specific which means that a unit deployed in the deserts of Rajasthan will have equipment and forces trained for desert warfare while those deployed in the mountains will be suitably equipped and trained.