Indian Special forces are elite Indian military units that are specially trained and equipped to carry out specific and complex missions that are beyond the capabilities of regular forces. These missions typically include counter-terrorism, reconnaissance, direct action, and special reconnaissance.
Special forces units are often deployed in small, highly-trained teams and are able to operate in a variety of environments, including urban, wilderness, and maritime settings. They often conduct operations behind enemy lines, and are trained in techniques such as stealth, close-quarters combat, and unconventional warfare.
Special forces units are also known for their high level of physical fitness, mental toughness, and specialized training in various weapons and equipment. They are usually considered as most elite, highly trained and versatile military unit, who are capable of performing a wide range of operations.
1. National Security Guard (NSG)
The National Security Guard (NSG) is a special forces unit of the Indian government. It is a federal contingency force and has been created to deal with terrorist activities and other high-profile attacks on the country.
The NSG is also known as the “Black Cats” due to their black dress and cat-like agility during operations. The force is under the authority of the Ministry of Home Affairs and is composed of two branches: the Special Action Group (SAG) and the Special Ranger Group (SRG).
The SAG is a counter-terrorism unit, while the SRG is a federal law enforcement unit. The NSG is trained to conduct counter-terrorist operations, hostage rescues, and anti-sabotage operations.
The National Security Guard (NSG) was created in 1984 by the Indian government. Since its creation, the NSG has been involved in a number of high-profile operations, including:
- Operation Black Tornado: In November 2008, the NSG was deployed to Mumbai to neutralize the terrorists involved in the multiple attacks across the city. The operation lasted for three days and resulted in the deaths of nine terrorists and the arrest of one.
- Operation Cyclone: In 1991, the NSG was deployed to Sri Lanka to evacuate Indian citizens caught in the middle of the civil war there. The operation was a success and all of the Indian citizens were safely evacuated.
- Operation Leech: In 1991, the NSG was deployed to Mizoram to deal with a terrorist group operating in the state. The operation was successful, and the terrorist group was neutralized.
- Operation Blue Star: In 1984, the NSG was deployed to the Golden Temple in Amritsar to flush out militants who had taken refuge there. The operation was met with significant resistance and resulted in the deaths of many militants and civilians.
- Operation Black Thunder: in 1988, the NSG was deployed to neutralize the terrorists who had taken over the Harmandir Sahib complex in Amritsar. The operation was successful, and all the hostages were freed safely.
- Operation Thunderbolt: In 2016, the NSG was deployed to neutralize terrorists who had taken over the Pathankot Airforce Base. The operation was successful with the neutralization of all terrorists.
2. MARCOS Commando
The Indian Navy’s Marine Commandos, also known as MARCOS, is a special forces of Indian Navy. MARCOS was created in 1987 and is considered one of the most elite special forces units in India. They are specifically trained for maritime operations, including amphibious warfare, counter-terrorism, and direct action. MARCOS is trained to operate in all environments, including desert, jungle, and urban settings, and are often used for reconnaissance, surveillance and infiltration operations.
They are also trained for unconventional warfare, special reconnaissance, and psychological operations. MARCOS are known for their high level of physical fitness and specialized training in various weapons and equipment, including underwater and surface warfare. They are also trained in various specialties such as diving, amphibious warfare, and combat swimming. MARCOS are considered as one of the most secretive special force unit in India and are deployed in various operations, but they are rarely talked about in public.
The Indian Navy’s Marine Commandos (MARCOS) is considered one of the most elite and secretive special forces units in India, and therefore, it is not publicly known about its specific operations. However, they are known to be involved in various operations, including:
- Operation Pawan: In 1987, MARCOS were deployed to Sri Lanka as part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force to fight the Tamil Tigers. They were involved in several successful operations and were instrumental in the capture of Jaffna.
- Operation Cactus: In 1988, MARCOS were deployed to Maldives to neutralize a group of mercenaries who had taken over the Maldives government. The operation was successful, and the Maldives government was restored.
- Operation Leech: In 1991, MARCOS were deployed to Mizoram to deal with a terrorist group operating in the state. The operation was successful, and the terrorist group was neutralized.
- Operation Sukoon: In 2015, MARCOS were deployed to Yemen to evacuate Indian citizens caught in the middle of the civil war there. The operation was a success and all of the Indian citizens were safely evacuated.
These are some of the known operations that MARCOS have been involved in. It is important to note that, as a secretive unit, the Indian Navy does not reveal much information about the operations of MARCOS, and information about their operations is limited.
3. Garud Commandos
The Garud Commando Force is a special force unit of the Indian Air Force (IAF). It was created in September 2004, to provide force protection to IAF bases and other critical Air Force assets, and to provide airfield and airbase security. They are also responsible for providing airfield and airbase security, as well as counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations. Garud commandos are also trained in close-quarters combat, airborne operations, and special reconnaissance. The Garud commandos have the capability to operate in both air, land and water. They are also trained to operate in extreme conditions and are known for their high level of physical fitness and mental toughness.
The Garud Commando Force is a relatively new special force unit of the Indian Air Force (IAF) that was created in September 2004, so it has not a long operational history. However, it is known to have been involved in various operations and training exercises, including:
- Operation Meghdoot: In 1984, Garud commandos were deployed to the Siachen Glacier to provide force protection and logistics support to the Indian Army.
- Operation Rahat: In 2014, Garud commandos were deployed to flood-affected areas of Jammu and Kashmir to rescue civilians and provide aid.
4. Para SF Special Forces
The Para SF (Special Forces) is a special forces unit of the Indian armed forces. It is a part of the Indian Army’s Parachute Regiment and is responsible for conducting special operations such as reconnaissance, direct action, and counterterrorism. The Para commando is known for its high level of physical fitness, mental toughness, and specialized training in various weapons and equipment.
The Para SF special forces of India is considered one of the most elite and secretive units. It is known to have been involved in various operations, including:
- Operation Black Thunder: in 1988, the Para SF was deployed to neutralize the terrorists who had taken over the Harmandir Sahib complex in Amritsar. The operation was successful, and all the hostages were freed safely.
- Operation Pawan: In 1987, the Para SF was deployed to Sri Lanka as part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force to fight the Tamil Tigers. They were involved in several successful operations and were instrumental in the capture of Jaffna.
5. Special Frontier Force (SFF)
The Special Frontier Force (SFF) is a special forces unit of the Indian government. It is also known as the Vikas Battalion and was created in the aftermath of the 1962 war with China. The SFF is a highly specialized and secretive unit that is known for its expertise in mountain and winter warfare, reconnaissance, and guerrilla warfare. They are trained to operate in the difficult terrain of the Himalayas.
- The Sino-Indian War of 1962: The SFF was created just after the war as a response to the Chinese aggression, and it was intended to conduct reconnaissance and sabotage operations behind Chinese lines in case of another war.
- Indo-Pakistani War of 1971: The SFF played a key role in the war, providing intelligence to the Indian Army and carrying out reconnaissance and sabotage operations behind enemy lines.
- Kargil War: In 1999, The SFF was involved in providing intelligence and reconnaissance support to the Indian Army.
- Post-Kargil: The SFF has been involved in various counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeastern states of India.