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{{Infobox military unit | {{Infobox military unit | ||
| unit_name = Ghatak Platoon | | unit_name = Ghatak Platoon | ||
| Line 10: | Line 11: | ||
| branch = | | branch = | ||
| type = [[Infantry]] | | type = [[Infantry]] | ||
| role = [[Reconnaissance]]<br>[[ | [[Special Operations capable]] | ||
| size = 7,000<ref name="tribuneindia.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20121112/main4.htm|title=The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Main News|publisher=|accessdate=20 May | | role = [[Reconnaissance]]<br />[[Target acquisition]] | ||
| size = 7,000<ref name="tribuneindia.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20121112/main4.htm|title=The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Main News|publisher=|accessdate=20 May 2022}}</ref> | |||
| command_structure = {{army|India}} | | command_structure = {{army|India}} | ||
| garrison = | | garrison = | ||
| Line 82: | Line 84: | ||
| aircraft_general = | | aircraft_general = | ||
}} | }} | ||
A '''Ghatak Platoon''', or '''Ghatak Commandos''', is a [[special operations]] capable [[reconnaissance]] [[platoon]] that is present in every [[infantry battalion]] in the [[Indian Army]].<ref name=tv>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/know-about-ghatak-commandos-the-invincible-special-forces-of-in-33442.html|title=Know about Ghatak commandos, the invincible Special Forces of India|date=8 August 2014|publisher=[[India Tv]]|accessdate=12 September | A '''Ghatak Platoon''', or '''Ghatak Commandos''', is a [[special operations]] capable [[reconnaissance]] [[platoon]] that is present in every [[infantry battalion]] in the [[Indian Army]].<ref name=tv>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/know-about-ghatak-commandos-the-invincible-special-forces-of-in-33442.html|title=Know about Ghatak commandos, the invincible Special Forces of India|date=8 August 2014|publisher=[[India Tv]]|accessdate=12 September 2022}}</ref> Ghatak is a [[Sanskrit]] word meaning "killer" or "lethal". Their name was given to them by [[General]] [[Bipin Chandra Joshi]]. They act as [[shock troops]] and spearhead assaults ahead of the [[battalion]].<ref name=tv/> | ||
==Role== | ==Role== | ||
[[File:Indra2018-32.jpg|thumb|250px|Ghatak platoon commandos.]] | [[File:Indra2018-32.jpg|thumb|250px|Ghatak platoon commandos.]] | ||
Their operational role is similar to [[Scout Sniper Platoon]]s and [[STA platoon]]s of the [[US Marine Corps]], the Commando platoons of the [[British Army]], [[75th Ranger Regiment|Army Rangers]] of the [[US Army]] and the Commando Ranger Regiments of the [[Republic of Korea Army]]. They can be tasked by the [[battalion]] or [[brigade]] commander to carry out tasks such as [[special reconnaissance]], raids on enemy artillery positions, airfields, supply dumps and tactical headquarters or other special operations at a tactical level. They are also capable of directing artillery and air attacks on targets deep within enemy lines.<ref name=tv/> | Their operational role is similar to [[Scout Sniper Platoon]]s and [[STA platoon]]s of the [[US Marine Corps]], the Commando platoons of the [[British Army]], [[75th Ranger Regiment|Army Rangers]] of the [[US Army]] and the Commando Ranger Regiments of the [[Republic of Korea Army]]. They can be tasked by the [[battalion]] or [[brigade]] commander to carry out tasks such as [[special reconnaissance]], raids on enemy artillery positions, airfields, supply dumps and tactical headquarters or other special operations at a tactical level. They are also capable of directing artillery and air attacks on targets deep within enemy lines.<ref name=tv/> | ||
[[File:Yudh Abhyas 2018 1.jpg|thumb|250px|Ghatak platoon commandos armed with [[Brugger & Thomet MP9]] during Yudh Abhyas 2018 exercise.]] | |||
==Unit composition== | ==Unit composition== | ||
| Line 97: | Line 100: | ||
==Equipment== | ==Equipment== | ||
Ghatak platoons are equipped with the [[Tavor|IWI Tavor TAR-21]], [[INSAS]], or a version of the [[AK-47]] as their primary assault rifle. The marksmen are equipped with the [[Dragunov SVD]] and [[Heckler & Koch MSG-90]] [[designated marksman rifle]]s. They wear standard issue camouflage and body armour.<ref name=tv/> Depending on the mission, they may carry other items like ropes, climbing gear, [[grenades]], [[rocket launchers]], laser target designators and [[night vision]] equipment. Some of the equipment for them are manufactured indigenously by the [[Indian Ordnance Factories]], while other items are obtained from foreign suppliers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ofbindia.gov.in/index.php?wh=inbrief&lang=en#Customers|title=OFB in Brief : Indian Ordnance Factories | Ghatak platoons are equipped with the [[Tavor|IWI Tavor TAR-21]], [[INSAS]], or a version of the [[AK-47]] as their primary assault rifle. The marksmen are equipped with the [[Dragunov SVD]] and [[Heckler & Koch MSG-90]] [[designated marksman rifle]]s. They wear standard issue camouflage and body armour.<ref name=tv/> Depending on the mission, they may carry other items like ropes, climbing gear, [[grenades]], [[rocket launchers]], laser target designators and [[night vision]] equipment. Some of the equipment for them are manufactured indigenously by the [[Indian Ordnance Factories]], while other items are obtained from foreign suppliers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ofbindia.gov.in/index.php?wh=inbrief&lang=en#Customers|title=OFB in Brief : Indian Ordnance Factories|publisher=|accessdate=20 May 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ofbindia.gov.in/index.php?wh=Weapons&lang=en|title=Weapons : Indian Ordnance Factories|publisher=|accessdate=20 May 2022}}</ref> As part of modernization, [[SIG Sauer SIG516|SIG-716]] and [[AK-203]] rifles were introduced in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://theprint.in/defence/army-to-equip-all-infantry-battalions-not-just-frontline-troops-with-us-sig-sauer-rifles/621984/|title = Army to equip all infantry battalions, not just frontline troops, with US Sig Sauer rifles|date = 15 March 2021}}</ref> | ||
Currently, the Indian Army is upgrading the equipment of these units by procuring lighter [[body armour]], personal communication sets, [[anti-materiel rifle]]s and various other mission specific equipment.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htsf/20101201.aspx |title=Special Operations: Broken Promises Rattle Indian Operators |publisher=Strategypage.com |date=2010-12-01 |accessdate=2012-08-19}}</ref> A deal worth $5.75 million was signed with [[Brügger & Thomet|M/S B&T Switzerland]] for the acquisition of 1,568 advanced [[Brügger & Thomet MP9]] [[sub-machine guns]] for the Ghatak platoons of infantry battalions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defencenow.com/news/654/india-fast-tracks-acquisitions-inks-three-defence-deals-for-the-army.html|title=India Fast-Tracks Acquisitions, Inks Three Defence Deals for the Army|publisher=defencenow.com|accessdate=2012-04-30|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503224154/http://www.defencenow.com/news/654/india-fast-tracks-acquisitions-inks-three-defence-deals-for-the-army.html|archivedate=2012-05-03}}</ref> Additionally, door breaching ammunition and non-lethal systems like stun grenades and ballistic shields are being procured for counter-insurgency operations.<ref name="tribuneindia.com"/> | Currently, the Indian Army is upgrading the equipment of these units by procuring lighter [[body armour]], personal communication sets, [[anti-materiel rifle]]s and various other mission specific equipment.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htsf/20101201.aspx |title=Special Operations: Broken Promises Rattle Indian Operators |publisher=Strategypage.com |date=2010-12-01 |accessdate=2012-08-19}}</ref> A deal worth $5.75 million was signed with [[Brügger & Thomet|M/S B&T Switzerland]] for the acquisition of 1,568 advanced [[Brügger & Thomet MP9]] [[sub-machine guns]] for the Ghatak platoons of infantry battalions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defencenow.com/news/654/india-fast-tracks-acquisitions-inks-three-defence-deals-for-the-army.html|title=India Fast-Tracks Acquisitions, Inks Three Defence Deals for the Army|publisher=defencenow.com|accessdate=2012-04-30|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503224154/http://www.defencenow.com/news/654/india-fast-tracks-acquisitions-inks-three-defence-deals-for-the-army.html|archivedate=2012-05-03}}</ref> Additionally, door breaching ammunition and non-lethal systems like stun grenades and ballistic shields are being procured for counter-insurgency operations.<ref name="tribuneindia.com"/> | ||
==Honours== | ==Honours== | ||
Grenadier (later [[Subedar Major]]) [[Yogendra Singh Yadav]] of the 18th Battalion, [[The Grenadiers]] was a part of the Ghatak platoon during the [[battle of Tiger Hill]] in the [[Kargil War]], for which he was awarded India's highest gallantry award, the [[Param Vir Chakra]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-independence-day-special-the-hero-of-tiger-hill/20120814.htm |title=Independence Day Special: The Hero of Tiger Hill - Rediff.com News |work=Rediff.com |date= |accessdate=2012-08-19}}</ref> | |||
Lieutenant [[Navdeep Singh (Ashok Chakra)|Navdeep Singh]] of the 15th Battalion, [[Maratha Light Infantry]] was the Ghatak platoon commander during an operation to ambush 17 well-trained and armed terrorists who had infiltrated into [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]] state, for which he was posthumously awarded India's highest peacetime gallantry award, the [[Ashoka Chakra Award|Ashok Chakra]].<ref name=Confer>[http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=79890 President to Confer Ashoka Chakra on Lt. Navdeep Singh (Posthumous)], Press Information Bureau, 25-January 2012, pib.nic.in</ref><ref name=tribune>[http://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20120126/jaltrib.htm Ashok Chakra to Lt Navdeep Singh posthumously], Jalandhar, January 25, 2012, tribuneindia.com</ref> | |||
Captain Chander Choudhary Sihag, the Ghatak platoon commander in [[The Grenadiers]], was [[killed in action]] on 9 September 2002, during a search and destroy operation against insurgents in Dubri village in Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir. | |||
Captain [[Neikezhakuo Kenguruse]] was the Ghatak platoon commander during a night operation during [[Operation Vijay (1999)|Operation Vijay]] in 1999 during the [[Kargil War]]. After sustaining a bullet wound, he still carried on with the operation, finally shooting dead two men and killing two others using his knife in hand to hand combat. He was posthumously awarded the [[Mahavir Chakra]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gallantryawards.gov.in/Awardee/neikezhakuo-kenguruse|title=Neikezhakuo Kenguruse {{!}} Gallantry Awards|last=|first=|date=|website=gallantryawards.gov.in|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2020-03-31}}</ref> | Captain [[Neikezhakuo Kenguruse]] was the Ghatak platoon commander during a night operation during [[Operation Vijay (1999)|Operation Vijay]] in 1999 during the [[Kargil War]]. After sustaining a bullet wound, he still carried on with the operation, finally shooting dead two men and killing two others using his knife in hand to hand combat. He was posthumously awarded the [[Mahavir Chakra]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gallantryawards.gov.in/Awardee/neikezhakuo-kenguruse|title=Neikezhakuo Kenguruse {{!}} Gallantry Awards|last=|first=|date=|website=gallantryawards.gov.in|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2020-03-31}}</ref> | ||
Lieutenant (later Colonel) [[Balwan Singh]] led his Ghatak Platoon on 3 July 1999 up to the top of [[Tiger Hill, Kargil|Tiger Hill]] under intense artillery fire. He was seriously injured during the operation where he was able to neutralize four enemy soldiers. He was awarded the [[Mahavir Chakra]] for his bravery.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thelogicalindian.com/trending/india-celebrates-22nd-kargil-vijay-diwas-the-war-that-made-ordinary-soldiers-a-household-heroes-29854|title = India Celebrates 22nd Kargil Vijay Diwas: The War That Made Ordinary Soldiers a Household Heroes|date = 26 July 2021}}</ref> | |||
Sepoy Gurtej Singh belonging to the Ghatak Platoon of the 3rd Battalion, [[Punjab Regiment (India)|Punjab Regiment]] engaged in hand to hand combat with Chinese troops at [[Galwan]] valley on 15 June 2020 where he killed 12 enemy soldiers, including several with this [[kirpan]], before his death. He was posthumously awarded the [[Vir Chakra]] for his bravery.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.femina.in/trending/in-the-news/23-yo-gurtej-singh-an-inspiration-162269.html|title = 23 YO Gurtej Singh: An Inspiration for Today's Youth}}</ref> | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{reflist}} | {{reflist}} | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Army units and formations of India]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Army reconnaissance units and formations]] | ||
Revision as of 06:25, 25 November 2022
 |
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (August 2022) |
| Ghatak Platoon | |
|---|---|
| Country |  India |
| Allegiance | India |
| Type | Infantry Special Operations capable |
| Role | Reconnaissance Target acquisition |
| Size | 7,000[1] |
| Part of |  Indian Army |
A Ghatak Platoon, or Ghatak Commandos, is a special operations capable reconnaissance platoon that is present in every infantry battalion in the Indian Army.[2] Ghatak is a Sanskrit word meaning "killer" or "lethal". Their name was given to them by General Bipin Chandra Joshi. They act as shock troops and spearhead assaults ahead of the battalion.[2]
Role
Their operational role is similar to Scout Sniper Platoons and STA platoons of the US Marine Corps, the Commando platoons of the British Army, Army Rangers of the US Army and the Commando Ranger Regiments of the Republic of Korea Army. They can be tasked by the battalion or brigade commander to carry out tasks such as special reconnaissance, raids on enemy artillery positions, airfields, supply dumps and tactical headquarters or other special operations at a tactical level. They are also capable of directing artillery and air attacks on targets deep within enemy lines.[2]
Unit composition
A Ghatak platoon is usually 20-men strong, consisting of a commanding Captain, 2 non-commissioned officers and some specialised soldiers like designated marksman, light machine gunners, medics and radio operators. The remaining soldiers act as assault troopers. Officers and soldiers from combat support arms such as Engineers, Signals, Artillery, etc are also deputed for specialist roles during operations. [3][4]
Training
The most physically fit and motivated soldiers of all arms and services of the Indian Army either volunteer or are selected to be a part of the Ghatak platoon. Personnel attend training at the Commando Training Course in Belgaum, Karnataka.[2] As a part of the training, the soldiers are evaluated through speed marches in battle gear ranging from 20 to 60 km, carrying their rifles and 20 kg of weight in their rucksacks. Depending on their role and parent unit, the successful individuals often undergo specialized training in demolition, close quarter battle, navigation, rock climbing and heliborne assault. Some operators are sent to the High Altitude Warfare School and the Counterinsurgency and Jungle Warfare School as well.[2] However, most of them are not parachute qualified. It is mandatory for all infantry officers to pass the Commando Training Course.[2]
Equipment
Ghatak platoons are equipped with the IWI Tavor TAR-21, INSAS, or a version of the AK-47 as their primary assault rifle. The marksmen are equipped with the Dragunov SVD and Heckler & Koch MSG-90 designated marksman rifles. They wear standard issue camouflage and body armour.[2] Depending on the mission, they may carry other items like ropes, climbing gear, grenades, rocket launchers, laser target designators and night vision equipment. Some of the equipment for them are manufactured indigenously by the Indian Ordnance Factories, while other items are obtained from foreign suppliers.[5][6] As part of modernization, SIG-716 and AK-203 rifles were introduced in 2021.[7]
Currently, the Indian Army is upgrading the equipment of these units by procuring lighter body armour, personal communication sets, anti-materiel rifles and various other mission specific equipment.[8] A deal worth $5.75 million was signed with M/S B&T Switzerland for the acquisition of 1,568 advanced Brügger & Thomet MP9 sub-machine guns for the Ghatak platoons of infantry battalions.[9] Additionally, door breaching ammunition and non-lethal systems like stun grenades and ballistic shields are being procured for counter-insurgency operations.[1]
Honours
Grenadier (later Subedar Major) Yogendra Singh Yadav of the 18th Battalion, The Grenadiers was a part of the Ghatak platoon during the battle of Tiger Hill in the Kargil War, for which he was awarded India's highest gallantry award, the Param Vir Chakra.[10]
Lieutenant Navdeep Singh of the 15th Battalion, Maratha Light Infantry was the Ghatak platoon commander during an operation to ambush 17 well-trained and armed terrorists who had infiltrated into Jammu and Kashmir state, for which he was posthumously awarded India's highest peacetime gallantry award, the Ashok Chakra.[11][12]
Captain Chander Choudhary Sihag, the Ghatak platoon commander in The Grenadiers, was killed in action on 9 September 2002, during a search and destroy operation against insurgents in Dubri village in Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir.
Captain Neikezhakuo Kenguruse was the Ghatak platoon commander during a night operation during Operation Vijay in 1999 during the Kargil War. After sustaining a bullet wound, he still carried on with the operation, finally shooting dead two men and killing two others using his knife in hand to hand combat. He was posthumously awarded the Mahavir Chakra.[13]
Lieutenant (later Colonel) Balwan Singh led his Ghatak Platoon on 3 July 1999 up to the top of Tiger Hill under intense artillery fire. He was seriously injured during the operation where he was able to neutralize four enemy soldiers. He was awarded the Mahavir Chakra for his bravery.[14]
Sepoy Gurtej Singh belonging to the Ghatak Platoon of the 3rd Battalion, Punjab Regiment engaged in hand to hand combat with Chinese troops at Galwan valley on 15 June 2020 where he killed 12 enemy soldiers, including several with this kirpan, before his death. He was posthumously awarded the Vir Chakra for his bravery.[15]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Main News". Retrieved 20 May 2022.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 "Know about Ghatak commandos, the invincible Special Forces of India". India Tv. 8 August 2014. Retrieved 12 September 2022.
- ↑ "Special Operations: Indian Commandos Set Free". Strategypage.com. 2012-04-23. Retrieved 2012-08-19.
- ↑ http://defencenews.in/defence-news-internal.aspx?id=5LRDP7jQa5g=
- ↑ "OFB in Brief : Indian Ordnance Factories". Retrieved 20 May 2022.
- ↑ "Weapons : Indian Ordnance Factories". Retrieved 20 May 2022.
- ↑ "Army to equip all infantry battalions, not just frontline troops, with US Sig Sauer rifles". 15 March 2021.
- ↑ "Special Operations: Broken Promises Rattle Indian Operators". Strategypage.com. 2010-12-01. Retrieved 2012-08-19.
- ↑ "India Fast-Tracks Acquisitions, Inks Three Defence Deals for the Army". defencenow.com. Archived from the original on 2012-05-03. Retrieved 2012-04-30.
- ↑ "Independence Day Special: The Hero of Tiger Hill - Rediff.com News". Rediff.com. Retrieved 2012-08-19.
- ↑ President to Confer Ashoka Chakra on Lt. Navdeep Singh (Posthumous), Press Information Bureau, 25-January 2012, pib.nic.in
- ↑ Ashok Chakra to Lt Navdeep Singh posthumously, Jalandhar, January 25, 2012, tribuneindia.com
- ↑ "Neikezhakuo Kenguruse | Gallantry Awards". gallantryawards.gov.in. Retrieved 2020-03-31.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ↑ "India Celebrates 22nd Kargil Vijay Diwas: The War That Made Ordinary Soldiers a Household Heroes". 26 July 2021.
- ↑ "23 YO Gurtej Singh: An Inspiration for Today's Youth".