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The Indian Army is well-known for its discipline, courage, and professionalism. It comprises regiments and corps, each with its traditions and history. Indian army regiments focus on combat roles like infantry, armoured, and artillery, while the corps provides support services such as engineering, communications, and medical aid.
Working together, they ensure the Army can function smoothly, from battlefield operations to logistical and technical support. This article will discuss the various Indian army regiments and corps, highlighting their roles, responsibilities, and contributions to the nation's defence. So to grasp the information deeper, take a coffee and stick to this long-form article till the end.
The Indian Army has different regiments with unique traditions and roles such as infantry, armoured, and artillery. These Indian army regiments focus on combat duties in the frontline to improve military effectiveness. Here is a detailed explanation of the various regiments in the Indian army.
An Infantry Indian army regiment is the core of its combat force, specialising in ground-based warfare and playing a crucial role in close combat, securing territory, and defending strategic positions. With around 27 major regiments, including iconic ones like the Sikh Regiment, Rajput Regiment, and Gorkha Rifles, the infantry has deep historical roots dating back to British rule.
Each regiment consists of multiple battalions, typically with 600-900 soldiers, trained to fight in diverse terrains such as mountains, deserts, and jungles. Infantry regiments are equipped with small arms, machine guns, anti-tank weapons, and armoured vehicles, allowing them to adapt to different combat scenarios.
Known for their versatility, these Indian army regiments participate in both high-intensity warfare and counter-insurgency operations. They often work in tandem with armored, mechanized infantry, and artillery units to execute combined arms operations.
Infantry regiments have a strong sense of tradition and camaraderie, with soldiers often serving within the same regiment for their entire careers, creating strong bonds. Their ability to operate in diverse environments and carry out offensive and defensive tasks makes them a key component of the Indian Army’s effectiveness in battle.
The Mechanised Infantry Regiment (MIR) was raised in 1979 as part of the Indian Army's initiative to modernize and adapt to modern warfare techniques. It is a relatively modern formation, specializing in rapid mobility, versatility, and mechanised warfare. It was created to bridge the gap between traditional infantry and armoured forces by enhancing the mobility and firepower of infantry troops with the help of armoured vehicles.
The Mechanised Infantry Regiment is comprised of 27 battalions, which consist of 3 tracked and 2 wheeled reconnaissance and support battalions. These battalions are spread across various armoured formations in India. Alongside the 23 battalions of the Brigade of the Guards, they make up the Mechanised Infantry arm. Together with the Armoured Corps, they form the Mechanised Forces.
An Armoured Regiment in the Indian Army is an important component of the Armoured Corps, specializing in operating main battle tanks (MBTs) like the T-90 Bhishma, Arjun MBT, and T-72 Ajeya. Established after independence in 1947, though with roots in the cavalry units of the British Indian Army, this Indian army regiment provide heavy firepower, mobility, and protection on the battlefield.
Their primary role is to execute rapid offensive operations, break through enemy lines, and hold strategic positions, while also supporting defensive actions when necessary. With around 65 armoured regiments in total, each equipped with 45-60 tanks, they play a pivotal role in modern warfare, often working alongside mechanized infantry, artillery, and air support in combined arms operations.
The Indian Army's Artillery Regiment is the second-largest branch, making up about one-sixth of the total army personnel. It is responsible for providing long-range fire support during combat. The primary role of an artillery Indian army regiment is to deliver indirect firepower using a variety of weapons such as howitzers, field guns, mortars, rockets, and missile systems. Artillery regiments are essential for neutralizing enemy defences, destroying strategic targets, and providing suppressive fire to aid infantry and armoured units during offensive and defensive operations.
The Regiment of Artillery was established in 1827, although artillery units have been part of the Indian Army since British rule. Over time, the artillery of Indian army regiments has grown in importance, with modern weapons and technology enhancing their capabilities. Today, the Indian Army has around 190 artillery regiments, which are equipped with advanced systems like the Bofors FH-77B howitzer, Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher, K9 Vajra-T self-propelled howitzer, and BrahMos cruise missile.
There are two main types of units. The first type is made up of regiments equipped with weapons such as missiles, rockets, field guns, medium guns, or mortars. The second type is Surveillance and Target Acquisition (SATA) regiments, which are equipped with mission support gear like surveillance equipment and weapon locating radars.
Corps are larger groups that provide specialised support such as engineering, logistics, or medical services. Here is a detailed explanation of the different corps in the Indian Army.
The Army Air Defence (AAD) is an important part of the Indian Army regiment. It defends against aerial threats like enemy aircraft, helicopters, drones, and missiles, especially below 5,000 feet. The Army Air Defence was established as a separate unit in 1994. Its role is to protect Indian airspace and provide air cover to ground forces by stopping incoming threats before they can cause damage.
The Army Air Defence (AAD) uses advanced systems such as the Akash Missile System, SPYDER missile system, ZSU-23-4 Shilka, and L-70 anti-aircraft guns to respond quickly and effectively to aerial attacks. The Army Air Defence is made up of several air defence regiments. Personnel receive intensive training at the Army Air Defence College in Odisha to learn radar operations and target engagement.
As air warfare changes, the Army Air Defence is constantly updating its equipment to counter new threats like stealth aircraft and UAVs. This ensures that it remains a crucial part of protecting Indian forces and infrastructure. The Army Air Defence is important in both peacetime and wartime, ensuring the army's ability to withstand air attacks.
Logo of Army Service Corps The Army Service Corps (ASC) is an important part of the Indian Army. It is in charge of making sure that troops have everything they need, like food, fuel, equipment, and bullets, no matter if the army is at peace or war. The Army Service Corps started in 1760 and has a big role in keeping the army ready to act by handling how things are moved and making sure supplies get where they need to go on time, even in tough terrains like mountains.
The Army Service Corps (ASC) uses different kinds of vehicles to move stuff and keeps track of supply chains, which are really important for keeping military operations going. It also takes care of moving animals, especially in hard terrains like mountains. Its duty is key in making sure the Indian Army can work well during missions and everyday tasks.
The Army Dental Corps (ADC) is a specialized branch of the Indian Army, responsible for providing comprehensive dental care to military personnel and their families. Established in 1941, the Army Dental Corps of Indian Army regiment plays a significant role in maintaining the oral health of soldiers, ensuring they are fit for duty, especially during field operations and deployments.
The corps operates across various military hospitals and clinics, offering services such as preventive dentistry, restorative treatments, and oral surgeries. Army Dental Corps (ADC) personnel are trained to handle dental emergencies both in peacetime and in conflict zones, ensuring that troops remain in good health. The Army Dental Corps is an essential support unit, contributing to the overall well-being and readiness of the Indian Army.
The Corps of Engineers is one of the oldest and most versatile branches of the Indian Army. It was established in 1777 and is responsible for combat engineering, infrastructure development, and disaster relief. This Indian army regiment Corps provides essential support in both war and peacetime. During combat, engineers build bridges, clear minefields, construct defensive positions, and ensure army mobility. In peacetime, they are involved in building roads, airfields, fortifications, and civil engineering projects.
The Corps of Engineers consists of three major groups: the Madras Sappers, Bengal Sappers, and Bombay Sappers, each with a rich history and tradition. Additionally, the Corps plays a significant role in disaster management, offering relief during natural calamities like floods and earthquakes. They also contribute to UN peacekeeping missions, further enhancing their strategic importance. The Corps of Engineers is crucial to the Indian Army’s operational success, providing the infrastructure and support needed for both military operations and nation-building efforts.
The Indian Army has an important branch called the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME). This branch is responsible for maintaining, repairing, and providing technical support for all military equipment such as vehicles, weapons systems, electronics, and communication devices. It was established in 1943 and its main goal is to ensure that the army's equipment is always in good working condition and ready for combat.
The Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers' main tasks include servicing, repairing, and upgrading a wide range of equipment, from tanks and armoured vehicles to advanced radars and missile systems. Their expertise in electrical, mechanical, and electronic systems is very important in modern warfare, where having the best technology is crucial. This Indian military regiment Corps also plays a key role in developing and modernizing military technology, which helps India become more self-reliant in defence.
In addition to their technical role, Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers personnel are often sent to the field to make repairs during operations, ensuring that damaged equipment is quickly back in service. The Corps of Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) is essential in making sure that the Indian Army's equipment works well, which contributes to the army's overall combat effectiveness.
The Army Aviation Corps is a specialized branch of the Indian Army responsible for providing air mobility, reconnaissance, and logistical support to ground forces. Established in 1986, the corps plays a crucial role in enhancing the operational capabilities of the army by integrating air power with ground operations.
Equipped with a diverse fleet of helicopters, including the HAL Dhruv, Mi-17, Cheetah, and Chetak, the Army Aviation Corps conducts a variety of missions such as transporting troops, airlifting supplies, and conducting search and rescue operations. Their ability to rapidly deploy forces and provide critical logistical support is vital in both combat scenarios and humanitarian assistance.
The Army Aviation Corps also conducts aerial reconnaissance and intelligence-gathering missions, providing commanders with real-time information on enemy movements and terrain. The Aviation Corps in the Indian Army regiment is an essential component of the Indian Army’s operational strategy, enhancing its agility and effectiveness in a range of military operations.
The Indian Army has a special branch called the Remount and Veterinary Corps (R&VC). This corps regiment of the Indian army is responsible for getting, training, and taking care of military animals, especially horses, dogs and mules. They also provide veterinary services to keep the animals healthy and performing well. The R&VC was initially raised in 1779 in Bengal and plays a crucial role in making sure the army can use animals for different jobs, especially in tough terrains where machines might not work well.
The Veterinary Corps trains animals for cavalry units, transport, and support. They make sure the animals are ready for service. They also give the animals medical care, and preventive healthcare, and manage their food to keep them ready and performing well when needed.
The Remount and Veterinary Corps also helps with disaster relief operations by using trained animals for search and rescue missions in hard environments. Their expertise makes sure that both animals and soldiers can work well in different terrains, making the Indian Army more effective in different situations.
The Corps of Signals is a special part of the Indian Army. It helps with communication and information systems for all military operations. It was started in 1911. The Corps makes sure that different units can communicate well, which helps in giving commands and controlling things during both peace and war.
The Corps of Signals uses different advanced communication technologies like radio, satellite, and optical fibre systems to keep everyone connected in different and difficult places. They also help in setting up communication networks in the field, which helps commanders and troops to talk to each other, share information, and work together.
In addition to communication, the Corps also looks at cyber security and electronic warfare because of the changes in technology in modern war. People in the Corps get a lot of training to use advanced equipment and manage complicated military communications. The Corps of Signals is really important for the Indian Army to work well, as it helps in communicating in real-time and making missions successful.
The Army Education Corps (AEC) is a special part of the Indian Army. It focuses on teaching and training the soldiers. It was started in 1921. It is very important because it helps soldiers learn new things and become better at their jobs.
The Army Education Corps does many things. It teaches soldiers about the military and technical things. It also helps soldiers and their families learn to read and write and learn new skills. The Army Education Corps has teachers and trainers who teach soldiers many different things. They also work with schools and training centres to help soldiers learn even more.
By helping soldiers learn and improve, the Army Education Corps makes the Indian Army better. It helps soldiers be ready for the challenges they might face.
The Corps of Military Police (CMP) is an important part of the Indian Army regiments. It is responsible for keeping order, enforcing discipline, and ensuring the safety of army personnel and facilities. The Corps of Military Police was established in 1939 and plays a crucial role in both peacetime and wartime. Its main functions include investigating crimes, managing traffic, and providing security during military operations and training.
Military police personnel are trained in various aspects of law enforcement, including criminal investigations, crowd control, and riot management. They also play a key role in counter-insurgency operations, providing security and support to ground forces in sensitive areas. The Military Police is also responsible for escorting prisoners, managing military trials, and conducting disciplinary proceedings within the army.
Their presence is crucial in maintaining discipline and order among troops, ensuring that military regulations are followed. As warfare becomes more complex, the Corps of Military Police adapts to new challenges, using advanced technology and methods to improve its effectiveness. So, the Military Police is an important part of the Indian Army regiments, ensuring the safety and security of military personnel and operations.
The Indian Army's medical branch, known as the Army Medical Corps (AMC), has been providing medical care and support to soldiers and their families since 1764. The AMC's main functions include preventive care, medical treatment, surgeries, and rehabilitation services.
They operate military hospitals, field medical units, and aid posts to ensure medical assistance is available to troops in different operational environments. Medical Corps personnel, such as doctors, nurses, and paramedics, are trained to handle various medical conditions, from routine healthcare to trauma care in combat situations.
In addition to providing medical care, the Medical Corps is involved in health education, disease prevention, and mental health support for soldiers. This corps of the Indian Army regiment also plays a critical role in disaster management, providing medical assistance during natural disasters and humanitarian missions.
The Army Medical Corps is essential for maintaining the operational readiness of the Indian Army, ensuring that soldiers receive timely and effective medical care to enhance their performance and resilience on the battlefield.
The Army Postal Service Corps (APSC) is an important part of the Indian Army. It was started in 1856. The Postal Service Corps provides postal services to military personnel such as postal facilities, schedule dispatch services, remittance services, and debit army post logistics. It also manages the Sainik Samachar Patra Seva and operates Permanent Aadhaar Enrolment Centers for Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and paramilitary personnel through 358 Field Post Offices nationwide.
Additionally, this Indian army regiment corps ensures postal cover for Indian troops deployed with United Nations Peacekeeping Forces abroad, which is crucial in maintaining morale and communication for soldiers in remote and operational areas.
Besides traditional postal services, the APSC also helps with logistical support, providing essential communication links during military operations and emergencies. They play an important role in maintaining morale among soldiers by ensuring they can stay in touch with their families and loved ones.
The Ordnance Corps is a vital branch of the Indian Army responsible for the procurement, storage, distribution, and maintenance of military weapons, ammunition, and equipment. Established in 1775, the Ordnance Corps plays an important role in ensuring that the armed forces have the necessary supplies and logistics support for their operations.
The primary functions of the Ordnance Corps include managing the inventory of various types of ammunition, explosives, and armaments, as well as overseeing the maintenance and repair of weapon systems and other military equipment. This Indian military corps also plays a critical role in ammunition safety, ensuring that storage and handling procedures adhere to strict safety standards.
Additionally, the Ordnance Corps is involved in the indigenization and modernization of military equipment, working closely with research and development organizations to enhance the capabilities of the armed forces. Their logistical expertise ensures that the right equipment and supplies are available to troops in the field, directly contributing to the operational effectiveness of the Indian Army.
The Indian Army Pioneer Corps is a specialized part of the Indian Army. It was started in 1758 and provides essential engineering and support services for military operations. The Indian Army Regiment Pioneer Corps plays an important role in tasks like building roads, and bridges, and providing logistical support, especially in difficult and remote areas.
The main works of the Pioneer Corps include building roads, making bridges, loading and unloading, and other support activities crucial for keeping military units moving. Pioneer Corps members are skilled in manual labour tasks and engineering support roles and can adapt to different needs.
In addition to their engineering work, the Pioneer Corps also provides labour support during military operations and humanitarian assistance efforts. They are especially helpful during disaster relief, where they help clear debris and fix infrastructure. The Pioneer Corps is a very important part of the Indian Army, ensuring that logistical and engineering challenges are handled well, which helps the armed forces work better overall.
The Defence Security Corps (DSC) of the Indian Army regiment is a specialized part of the Indian Army. It was started in 1947. The DSC's main job is to keep military areas and important things safe. This is very important during times of peace and when there is fighting.
The Defence Security Corps guards military facilities, such as ammunition stores, and other important places. It also helps to stop rebellions and keep things in order in military areas. DSC members are trained in different aspects of safety, such as watching out for danger, controlling who can enter places, and acting fast in emergencies.
Apart from keeping things safe, the DSC helps keep important people safe and supports big military activities. The Defence Security Corps is known for dealing with different safety problems quickly, which is very important for the Indian Army. The Defence Security Corps does a lot to keep the army and its workers safe.
The Intelligence Corps is a vital branch of the Indian Army responsible for gathering, analyzing, and disseminating intelligence to support military operations and national security. Established in 1941, the corps plays a crucial role in ensuring that commanders have the information necessary for informed decision-making during peacetime and conflict.
The primary functions of the Intelligence Corps include surveillance, reconnaissance, and the collection of human intelligence (HUMINT). Personnel are trained to operate in diverse environments, conducting intelligence operations that provide insights into enemy capabilities, intentions, and movements. The Indian Army Regiment Corps works closely with other intelligence agencies to synthesize information and produce actionable intelligence.
In addition to operational intelligence, the corps is involved in counter-intelligence activities to protect military assets and personnel from espionage and sabotage. The Intelligence Corps also plays a significant role in strategic planning, contributing to the development of military tactics and strategies based on intelligence assessments.
Indian Army Regiments and Army Corps are both essential components of the Indian Army, but they serve distinct roles and have different structures. Here are the key differences between Indian army regiments and Army Corps:
Indian Army Regiments: Regiments primarily combat-focused units that engage directly with the enemy. They specialize in specific types of warfare, such as infantry (foot soldiers), armoured (tanks), or artillery (heavy firepower).
Indian Army Corps: Provide specialized support services to the combat units. Corps handle communications, logistics, medical care, engineering, and equipment maintenance, ensuring smooth operations on the battlefield.
Military Regiments: Typically consist of several battalions or squadrons and are more specific in their role. Each regiment has its own identity, traditions, and history, with soldiers from particular regions or communities.
Indian Army Corps: These are larger formations with multiple units under them, each specializing in a specific function (e.g., signals, logistics, engineering). Corps units serve across different regiments and divisions.
The Indian Army regiments and corps are the foundation of its strength and success. Indian Army Regiments, with their combat expertise and deep-rooted traditions, take on the crucial role of frontline defence, engaging directly with the enemy and protecting the nation.
Meanwhile, the Army Corps provides the indispensable support systems communications, medical aid, engineering, and logistics that keep the Army running smoothly in both peace and war. Together, they form a cohesive and powerful force, ensuring the Indian Army remains one of the most effective and respected military institutions in the world.
