7 Special Forces in India

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The Indian Special Forces have played a key role in warfare throughout history. They have a strong record of successful missions and continue to adapt to new global trends.

This includes focusing on irregular warfare, emphasizing joint operations, utilizing advanced technology, and providing humanitarian aid and disaster relief.

India has seven top Special Forces, three of which are independent specialized units. The others operate under government departments but are not controlled by military commands.

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What are Special Forces?

Special Forces are highly trained military units designed to accomplish tactical operations that achieve strategic goals. They specialize in responding to terrorist threats and taking necessary actions to complete their missions.

They enhance their psychological, cognitive, spiritual, social, and physical skills to meet new challenges. They use modern tools like cyber capabilities, artificial intelligence, unmanned aerial vehicles, and other advanced technologies to support their mission objectives.

The Indian Special Forces constantly evaluate regional, national, global, and space threats. They aim to address these threats through effective training, planning, foresight, and strong supply chain management. Here’s a list of the best Special Forces in India:

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1. Marine Commando Force (MARCOS)

The Marine Commando Force, known as MARCOS, is one of India’s elite Special Forces. Established by the Indian Navy in 1987, it is trained for special reconnaissance, amphibious warfare, direct action missions, and counter-terrorism operations.

Training

• After completing a ten-week basic training course, they undergo a demanding three-week training program.

• After this, commandos receive advanced training, during which they learn special skills like weapons handling and combat in various terrains.

Important Missions

MARCOS have taken part in many missions, including:

• Operation Tasha (1991) targeted the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam).

• Operation Zabardust (1992) involved intercepting a ship carrying weapons.

• In 1993, Indian Special Forces participated in United Nations operations in Somalia, helping restore peace and provide humanitarian aid during a conflict.

• During the Kargil War in 1999, Indian Special Forces played a crucial role in recapturing strategic positions from infiltrators in the mountains. Their bravery and tactical skills were key to India’s success in this conflict.

• Operation Black Tornado took place in 2008 during the Mumbai attacks. Indian Special Forces conducted a swift and coordinated operation to rescue hostages and neutralize the terrorists in multiple locations, showcasing their quick response and tactical expertise.

Duties of MARCOS

The duties performed by MARCOS are as follows:

• Conducting special operations to combat terrorism.

• Carrying out special reconnaissance and surveillance missions.

• Helping with amphibious operations.

• Carrying out diving missions and other covert activities in enemy territory.

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2. Parachute Regiment Special Forces (PARA-SF)

The Parachute Regiment Special Forces, or PARA-SF, was formed in June 1966 and is the largest unit of Indian Special Forces. This highly trained group of soldiers specializes in quick deployments, allowing them to launch surprise attacks on the enemy from behind.

Training

• Surviving alone

• Guerrilla warfare

• Crawling through mud

• Surviving and navigating in a jungle 

• Learning foreign languages helps soldiers communicate effectively in enemy territories. This skill allows them to gather information, blend in, and carry out missions more successfully while staying undetected.

• Planning strategies and executing missions in small teams allows quick and effective operations. This approach enhances flexibility and enables soldiers to respond swiftly to changing situations.

Important Missions

PARA-SF has taken part in many important missions, including:

• Operation Mandhol (1971)

• Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka (1987)

• Operation Cactus in the Maldives (1988)

• Operation Apache (2001)

• Kargil War (1999)

• Operation Khukri in Sierra Leone (2002)

Duties of Parachute Regiment Special Forces

The Parachute Regiment Special Forces handle several important tasks, including:

• Performing hostage rescue operations

• Undergoing counter-terrorism operations

• Providing special reconnaissance missions

• Undergoing special operations and direct action wherever necessary

• Undergoing counter-insurgency

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3. Garud Commando Force

The Garud Commando Force is a key unit in India’s Special Forces, created by the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2004. Their main tasks include conducting rescue operations during emergencies, supporting air missions, and protecting important Air Force bases. The Garuds have strong multi-tasking skills, similar to those of the PARA commandos and Marine Commandos.

Training

• Candidates eligible for the Special Forces undergo a training course that lasts fifty-two weeks.

• During this training, they learn survival skills, special operations techniques, basic airborne training, and more.

Important Missions 

Garud has completed several missions, including:

• Garud was sent to Congo for a UN peacekeeping mission in 2004.

• They work with Army special forces in Jammu and Kashmir to gain valuable operational experience.

• Garud played a key role in responding to the Pathankot attack in 2016.

Duties of Garud Special Forces

The Garud Special Forces have various important responsibilities, including:

• Carrying out peacetime duties, such as protecting air bases and other key assets from terrorist attacks.

• Carrying out hostage rescue, anti-hijacking missions, and counter-terrorism operations.

• Carrying out missions to disable enemy air defenses.

• During wartime, they play important roles in combat control, radar disruption, and missile and ammunition assistance.

• They also rescue pilots who are downed in enemy territory, manage air traffic at air bases, and help build air bases in challenging areas.

• They work to destroy enemy assets and disrupt their air defenses and radar systems.

• They analyze the outcomes of Indian airstrikes and use laser designators to guide Indian attacks.

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4. National Security Guard (NSG)

The National Security Guard (NSG) is India’s top special counter-terrorist force and plays a key role in the country’s security system. The NSG conducts anti-sabotage checks, ensures the safety of VIPs, and neutralizes terrorist threats. With over 7,500 members, the force is divided into three groups: the Special Rangers Group (SRG), the Special Composite Group (SCG), and the Special Action Group (SAG).

Training

• Candidates must complete two training courses: a basic course and an advanced course.

• The basic training lasts fourteen months and occurs at the commandos training center.

• After nine months of training, candidates must complete advanced training for the NSG.

Important Missions

Some of the missions of the NSG include:

• Operation Black Thunder (1986)

• Operation Ashwamedh (1993)

• Operation Vajra Shakti (2002)

• Operation Black Tornado (2008)

• Combat missions in Jammu and Kashmir

Duties of National Security Guard

The National Security Guard operates under the direct command of the National Security Advisor and is supervised by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Their responsibilities include:

• Undergoing counter-terrorism operations

• Protecting VIPs

• Protecting the Prime Minister of India and other dignitaries on foreign travel

• Fighting against terrorist attacks and handling hijacking situations.

• Protecting Indian states from attacks, managing internal unrest, and carrying out assassination missions.

• Providing support to special armed forces with important location and logistics information.

• Ensuring safety in India’s coastal areas, ports, and merchant shipping zones.

• Providing safety for the Indian High Commission in other countries and protecting Indian nationals who visit various offices abroad.

• Ensuring the safety of foreign dignitaries visiting India, including heads of state, business leaders, diplomats, and government officials.

• Providing security to Indian border posts in key areas, especially along the land borders with Pakistan, China, and Bangladesh.

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5. Ghatak Force

The Ghatak Force is one of India’s top Special Forces. It is known for its infantry, which leads strikes ahead of a battalion. Each infantry battalion in the Indian Army has one platoon of Ghatak soldiers. These soldiers are highly trained and well-equipped to handle tough situations.

Training

• Commandos are assessed through speed marches in battle armor, covering 20 to 60 kilometers.

• Depending on their roles and responsibilities, successful candidates receive specialized training in close-quarter combat.

• Additionally, they must be skilled in counter-ambush tactics, demolition, bomb disposal, and rapid tactical shooting.

Most commandos are not parachute-qualified, but all infantry officers must complete the training course.

Important Missions 

Some missions of the Ghatak Force include the following:

• Kargil War (1999)

• Operation Vijay (1999)

• Search and destroy operation against insurgents in Dubri village, Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir.

• Combat with Chinese troops in Galwan Valley on June 15, 2020.

Duties of Ghatak Force

The main role of the Ghatak Force is to be heavily armed leaders during operations or conflicts. Their tasks include:

• Conducting special reconnaissance.

• Carrying out raids on enemy artillery positions and airfields.

• Working during hostage situations, terror attacks, counter-terrorism, and counter-insurgency operations.

• Guiding air strikes and artillery fire on targets deep in enemy territory.

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6. Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (COBRA)

The Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (COBRA) is a specialized unit of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), formed in 2008. It is considered India’s most successful and experienced law enforcement unit. Commandos in COBRA are highly trained in Guerrilla Warfare. There are currently ten battalions in this unit, all of which receive extensive training to counter naxalism and other attacks in India.

Training

• COBRA battalions excel in camouflaging and jungle warfare, primarily focusing on jungle warfare and Guerrilla tactics.

• All candidates undergo training for helicopter-borne insertion and drops.

• Refresher courses are held bi-annually and annually to ensure the commandos maintain peak performance.

• They learn GPS and map reading techniques, operations strategy and execution, intelligence gathering, and fast-roping activities.

• These commandos also learn bomb tracking and disposal, field engineering, survival skills, and jungle warfare missions.

Important Missions

Some of the missions of COBRA include the following:

• Operation Chakravyuh (2018)

• Operation in Singamda Dantewada (2009)

• Operation in Duli Forest (2010)

• Operation in Kayma forest area (2010)

• Operation in Saranda forest area (2010)

Duties of Commando Battalion for Resolute Action:

COBRA’s main task is to track, hunt, and combat small Naxal groups. They also perform other duties, including:

• Conducting long-range patrols and reconnaissance

• Gathering intelligence on terrorist locations

• Jumping into land or water by parachute

• Carrying out close-range combat

• Using ropes to descend and ascend cliffs and ladders during missions.

• Carrying out missions in various types of landscapes and weather conditions.

• Disarming, lifting, and moving a person who refuses to comply.

• Ongoing assessment of situations during missions.

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7. Special Frontier Force (SFF)

The Special Frontier Force, created in 1962 after the Indo-China War and based in Uttarakhand, operates under India’s external intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). It reports directly to the Prime Minister through the Directorate General of Security in the Cabinet Secretariat.

Training

The Special Frontier Force comprises six battalions: 1 Vikas, 2 Vikas, 3 Vikas, 5 Vikas, 6 Vikas, and 7 Vikas. Each battalion has around 800 soldiers.

• The commandos undergo six months of intense training in guerrilla warfare and rock climbing.

• During the Indo-China War, commandos were trained as high-altitude paratroopers and became skilled in demolition, survival, ambush tactics, and sabotage.

Important Missions

The Special Frontier Force (SFF) has participated in many successful missions. Here are some of the most important ones:

• Operation Meghdoot ((1984)

• Operation Eagle (1971)

• Operation Vijay at Kargil (1999)

• Operation Bluestar (1984)

• Indo-Pakistan War (1971)

• Operation Snow Leopard (2020)

Duties of Special Frontier Force

The Special Frontier Force has the following duties:

• The main role of the Special Frontier Force, also known as Establishment 22, was to carry out operations behind Chinese lines during the Indo-China War.

• SFF commandos operated as guerrillas, targeting and destroying Chinese communications, airfields, radars, and damaging roads.

• Special Frontier Force commandos carry out secret operations and gather intelligence near the Line of Actual Control with China.

• Additionally, SFF commandos have been authorized by RAW and the Government of India to conduct various overt and covert operations.

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India’s top Special Forces are trained to handle critical missions across various terrains. They receive thorough training in advanced weaponry and use top-notch equipment and technology during their operations. Beyond their skills, they are driven by a strong desire to achieve their goals. From sabotaging enemy communications to disrupting lines with guerrilla tactics, these commandos know how to overcome challenges and defeat their enemies.

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Conclusion

India has several elite Special Forces units with unique skills and capabilities. From the Marine Commando Force (MARCOS) to the National Security Guard (NSG), these units are trained to handle various critical missions, including counter-terrorism, surveillance, and guerrilla warfare. Their rigorous training prepares them for challenging environments and complex situations, ensuring they can effectively protect national interests. The dedication and expertise of these forces play a crucial role in maintaining India’s security and sovereignty.

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FAQs

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