India’s military has marked a significant advancement with the creation of the “Rudra” brigade, a new integrated all-arms combat formation validated during the tri-services Exercise Trishul on the western border. This brigade combines infantry, mechanised forces, tanks, artillery, drones, and air support from the Indian Air Force into a unified fighting force, capable of swift, high-intensity operations. The Rudra brigade represents a strategic shift from the long-standing “Cold Start” doctrine toward a new “Cold Strike” model, emphasizing rapid, multi-domain offensives with enhanced synergy between land and air assets. Currently, two Rudra brigades are operational along India’s northern borders—one in eastern Ladakh and another in Sikkim—equipped with advanced weaponry, including specialized drones, missiles, and commando units. The success of these formations during the recent Exercise Trishul and phased restructuring efforts has prompted plans for expanding Rudra brigades by converting existing single-arm brigades to maximize agility and combat readiness. This integrated approach reflects India’s commitment to modernizing its conventional forces to address evolving two-front threats from China and Pakistan with greater speed, precision, and operational cohesion.