India rolls out integrated battle group concept with mountain corps

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The Indian Army has rolled out the integrated battle group (IBG) concept along the north-eastern border with China in North Sikkim.

On October 9 the Trishakti Corps (33 Corps) of the Indian Army along with the troops of the Striking Lion Division (27th Mountain Division), and Century Brigade conducted an integrated tactical exercise at an altitude of 17,500 ft in North Sikkim.

According to a social media post by Trishakti Corps, which is a part of the eastern command of the Indian Army, the exercise was meant to “showcase the prowess of the Indian Army in integrated operations in high-altitude areas”.

A senior Indian Army official told Janes that the exercise was conducted as a part of the IBG concept.

“The Indian Army has transformed all the mountain corps and divisions into IBGs. So all the exercises conducted with mountain corps are a part of IBG training,” added the official.

According to Janes World Armies , India has 13 mountain divisions under seven different corps. All the divisions reportedly consist of more than 200,000 troops.

The official said that the exercise was conducted to discuss and perform the tactics, objectives, synergies, and IBG troop integration for future battles.

“We will keep conducting such exercises because all the participating units remain scattered in different locations. The units will be assembled for IBG exercise and training. All the units will merge into an IBG for the battles and operations,” said the official.