India is home to some of the most elite and highly trained commando forces in the world. These units are renowned for their specialized skills, rigorous training, and unmatched dedication to safeguarding the nation’s security. The “Top 10 Commando Forces in India” have consistently proven their mettle in counterterrorism, hostage rescue, and high-stakes military operations. This article highlights these top-tier forces, their unique capabilities, and why they stand as the backbone of India’s defense system. From the National Security Guard to the MARCOS, each unit has a storied history of valour and excellence.
List of Top 10 Commando Forces in India
India’s commando forces are ranked based on their performance, specialization, and operational achievements. Below is a detailed look at the top 10 commandos in India:
1. National Security Guard (NSG)
The National Security Guard (NSG), commonly referred to as the “Black Cats,” is India’s premier counter-terrorism unit. It is known for its precision, agility, and ability to handle high-risk scenarios effectively.
- Force Nicknamed: Black Cats
- Branch: Ministry of Home Affairs
- Specialization: Counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, and anti-hijacking operations
- Notable Operations: Operation Black Tornado during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks
- Founded Year and Reason: 1984, established after Operation Blue Star and the assassination of Indira Gandhi
- Drop Out Rate: Approximately 70%
- Slogan: “Sarvatra, Sarvottam, Suraksha” (Everywhere, Always the Best Security)
- Training: Rigorous physical and tactical training, including live simulations of terror scenarios
Why Ranked 1st: The NSG is ranked first due to its unmatched expertise in counter-terrorism and its role in protecting national interests during critical situations.
2. MARCOS (Marine Commandos)
The Marine Commandos (MARCOS) are an elite force specializing in maritime operations. Their ability to operate seamlessly in water, air, and land environments makes them highly versatile.
- Force Nicknamed: Marine Commandos or MAGN (Marine Commando Group)
- Branch: Indian Navy
- Specialization: Maritime operations, counter-terrorism, and amphibious warfare
- Notable Operations: Kargil War and Operation Cactus
- Founded Year and Reason: 1987, to address growing maritime threats
- Drop Out Rate: Over 80%
- Slogan: “The Few, The Fearless”
- Training: Includes HALO (High Altitude Low Opening) jumps, scuba diving, and endurance tests
Why Ranked 2nd: Despite their exceptional skills, MARCOS is ranked second due to their specialization being primarily maritime, whereas NSG’s expertise spans diverse terrains and scenarios.
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3. Para Special Forces
The Para Special Forces are among the oldest special forces in India, known for their daring and resilience. They are highly respected for their surgical precision in high-stakes operations.
- Force Nicknamed: The Red Devils
- Branch: Indian Army
- Specialization: Surgical strikes, counter-insurgency, and reconnaissance
- Notable Operations: Surgical Strikes in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (2016)
- Founded Year and Reason: 1966, to tackle insurgencies in the Northeast
- Drop Out Rate: 85%
- Slogan: “Men Apart, Every Man an Emperor”
- Training: Grueling training includes free-fall jumps, urban warfare, and high-altitude survival
Why Ranked 3rd: Para SF ranks third for their critical role in surgical strikes but falls behind NSG and MARCOS in versatility and equipment.
4. Garud Commando Force
The Garud Commandos serve as the Indian Air Force’s special forces, specializing in airfield protection and rapid response to emergencies.
- Force Nicknamed: Garud
- Branch: Indian Air Force
- Specialization: Airfield security, counter-terrorism, and disaster relief
- Notable Operations: Pathankot Airbase attack response
- Founded Year and Reason: 2004, after the Kargil War to protect critical air force installations
- Drop Out Rate: 60-70%
- Slogan: “Defend, Destroy, Deliver”
- Training: Includes survival, evasion, resistance, and escape (SERE) training
Why Ranked 4th: Garud ranks fourth due to their focus on airfield-specific operations, limiting their scope in ground and maritime missions.
5. Cobra (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action)
Cobra, a CRPF unit, is a dedicated force for jungle warfare and guerrilla tactics, primarily targeting Naxalite insurgencies.
- Force Nicknamed: Cobra
- Branch: Central Reserve Police Force
- Specialization: Jungle warfare and guerrilla tactics
- Notable Operations: Operations against Naxal insurgency
- Founded Year and Reason: 2008, to counter growing Naxalite threats
- Drop Out Rate: 65%
- Slogan: “Victory or Death”
- Training: Jungle survival, ambush tactics, and advanced weaponry
Why Ranked 5th: Cobra’s expertise in jungle warfare is unparalleled, but it lacks versatility compared to higher-ranked units.
6. Ghatak Force
Ghatak is a battalion-level force in the Indian Army, specializing in reconnaissance and direct action.
- Force Nicknamed: Ghatak (Lethal)
- Branch: Indian Army
- Specialization: Reconnaissance and direct action
- Notable Operations: Counter-insurgency missions in Jammu and Kashmir
- Founded Year and Reason: Early 2000s, to support infantry battalions
- Drop Out Rate: High due to intense physical demands
- Slogan: “Victory is Ours”
- Training: Mountain warfare, unarmed combat, and tactical reconnaissance
Why Ranked 6th: While effective in specific operations, Ghatak’s role is limited to battalion-level missions.
7. Special Protection Group (SPG)
The SPG specializes in VIP protection, focusing on securing the safety of India’s Prime Minister and other high-profile individuals.
- Force Nicknamed: SPG
- Branch: Independent
- Specialization: VIP protection
- Notable Operations: Protecting the Prime Minister during high-risk events
- Founded Year and Reason: 1988, after the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi
- Drop Out Rate: 50%
- Slogan: “Bravery, Dedication, Security”
- Training: Close combat, advanced driving, and tactical threat assessment
Why Ranked 7th: SPG’s niche focus on VIP protection limits its ranking among broader operational forces.
8. Greyhounds
The Greyhounds are a special anti-insurgency unit operating in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
- Force Nicknamed: Greyhounds
- Branch: State Police
- Specialization: Jungle warfare and counter-insurgency
- Notable Operations: Successful campaigns against Naxalite groups
- Founded Year and Reason: 1989, to counter growing insurgencies
- Drop Out Rate: 60%
- Slogan: “Swift, Silent, Deadly”
- Training: Advanced jungle survival, ambush, and guerrilla tactics
Why Ranked 8th: Greyhounds rank eighth due to their regional focus and jungle warfare expertise.
9. Force One
Force One is a specialized commando unit created for rapid response in urban terror scenarios.
- Force Nicknamed: Force One
- Branch: Maharashtra Police
- Specialization: Urban counter-terrorism and hostage rescue
- Notable Operations: Post-26/11 readiness and Mumbai-specific threats
- Founded Year and Reason: 2009, after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks
- Drop Out Rate: Moderate
- Slogan: “Always Ready”
- Training: Close-quarters combat, urban warfare, and advanced weapon handling
Why Ranked 9th: While effective in urban areas, Force One’s reach and scope are geographically limited.
10. Special Frontier Force (SFF)
The Special Frontier Force is a covert paramilitary unit operating under RAW, focused on high-stakes covert operations.
- Force Nicknamed: Vikas Battalion
- Branch: Research and Analysis Wing (RAW)
- Specialization: Covert operations and unconventional warfare
- Notable Operations: Operations during the Indo-Pak wars
- Founded Year and Reason: 1962, post-Sino-Indian War
- Drop Out Rate: High due to secrecy and intense demands
- Slogan: Classified
- Training: High-altitude warfare, covert tactics, and mission-specific skills
Why Ranked 10th: SFF ranks tenth due to its covert nature and limited visibility in public operations.#
Conclusion
India’s commando forces represent the pinnacle of courage, skill, and dedication, each unit bringing unique strengths to the nation’s defense. From the counter-terrorism expertise of the NSG to the maritime mastery of MARCOS, these forces have played pivotal roles in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and security. Their rigorous training, exceptional discipline, and remarkable operational successes make them an integral part of India’s military and law enforcement framework. Understanding the contributions and specializations of these forces highlights their importance in both conventional and unconventional warfare. These elite units not only inspire awe but also serve as a testament to India’s commitment to national security.
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