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Ghatak Platoon
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Ghatak Platoon
Ghatak Platoons (Also referred to as Ghatak Force) are special operations capable platoons present in every infantry battalion of the Indian Army. 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.
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.
In August 2025, it was announced that the Indian Army is creating Bhairav light commando battalions which are scaled up versions of these units.
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.
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. 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. Some operators are sent to the High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) and the Counter-Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School (CIJWS) as well. However, most of them are not parachute qualified. It is mandatory for all infantry officers to pass the Commando Training Course.
Ghatak platoons are equipped with the IWI Tavor TAR-21, INSAS, or a version of the AK-47 as their primary assault rifle. As part of modernization, SIG-716 and AK-203 rifles were introduced in 2021. The marksmen are equipped with the Dragunov SVD and Heckler & Koch MSG-90 designated marksman rifles. 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. They wear standard issue camouflage and body armour. 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. 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. Additionally, door breaching ammunition and non-lethal systems like stun grenades and ballistic shields are being procured for counter-insurgency operations.
Subedar Major Yogendra Singh Yadav and Honorary Captain (then Grenadier) 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 wartime gallantry award, the Param Vir Chakra.
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Ghatak Platoon
Ghatak Platoons (Also referred to as Ghatak Force) are special operations capable platoons present in every infantry battalion of the Indian Army. 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.
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.
In August 2025, it was announced that the Indian Army is creating Bhairav light commando battalions which are scaled up versions of these units.
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.
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. 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. Some operators are sent to the High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) and the Counter-Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School (CIJWS) as well. However, most of them are not parachute qualified. It is mandatory for all infantry officers to pass the Commando Training Course.
Ghatak platoons are equipped with the IWI Tavor TAR-21, INSAS, or a version of the AK-47 as their primary assault rifle. As part of modernization, SIG-716 and AK-203 rifles were introduced in 2021. The marksmen are equipped with the Dragunov SVD and Heckler & Koch MSG-90 designated marksman rifles. 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. They wear standard issue camouflage and body armour. 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. 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. Additionally, door breaching ammunition and non-lethal systems like stun grenades and ballistic shields are being procured for counter-insurgency operations.
Subedar Major Yogendra Singh Yadav and Honorary Captain (then Grenadier) 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 wartime gallantry award, the Param Vir Chakra.