Types of Commandos in India: A Complete Overview of Indian Special Forces

India has some of the most fearless and highly trained commandos in the world. These elite warriors are entrusted with the toughest missions—whether it’s counter-terrorism, rescue operations, special reconnaissance, or secret cross-border tasks. With their unmatched discipline, courage, and specialized skills, they form the backbone of the nation’s security.

Here, we will take you through the different Types of commandos in India, their unique roles, and what makes them stand out in the Indian special forces list.

Types of Commandos in India

Here we have compiled the information on the types of Commandos in India, including Indian Army Commando Units, Indian Special Force, Marine Commandos, etc.

1. Para SF – The Army’s Elite Special Forces

The Para Special Forces (Para SF) are often described as the most powerful commando unit of the Indian Army. Known for their “Balidaan” (sacrifice) badge, these commandos are trained for any terrain—whether it’s dense jungles, icy mountains, deserts, or deep-sea environments.

• Primary Role: Surgical strikes, cross-border raids, and high-risk special operations

• Training: One of the toughest in the world, including HALO/HAHO jumps and survival in extreme climates

• Special Note: They’re frequently compared in the para sf vs nsf debate, thanks to their reputation for endurance and toughness

2. MARCOS – The Marine Commandos

The Marine Commandos (MARCOS) are the naval special forces of India. Feared by enemies and famously called “Dadiwala Fauj” (the bearded army) during counter-terror ops in Kashmir, MARCOS are experts in water-based warfare.

• Primary Role: Maritime security, anti-piracy, underwater demolitions, and counter-terror ops

• Special Training: Modeled on the US Navy SEALs, making them India’s most versatile seaborne force

• Keyword Highlight: The marine commandos are a symbol of India’s naval strength

3. NSG – The Black Cats

The National Security Guard (NSG), better known as the Black Cats because of their iconic all-black gear, are India’s go-to force during terror strikes.

• Primary Role: Counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, and VIP protection

• Training: Extremely tough, focusing on sharpshooting, close-quarter combat, and rapid crisis response

• Famous Operation: Operation Black Tornado during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks

• Special Mention: NSG commando training is considered among the toughest in India

4. Garud Commando Force – The Air Force’s Special Wing

The Garud Commando Force was created by the Indian Air Force to guard airbases, carry out rescue missions, and tackle terror threats.

• Primary Role: Airfield protection, disaster management, and safeguarding Air Force assets

• Training: Includes airborne assault techniques and specialized combat skills

• Distinction: They are the youngest among India’s special commando units

5. COBRA – Masters of Jungle Warfare

The Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (COBRA) is a special CRPF unit designed specifically to deal with Naxal insurgencies in forested regions.

• Primary Role: Jungle warfare, counter-insurgency, and guerrilla tactics

• Special Strength: Night vision operations, stealth ambushes, and high-mobility combat in dense forests

6. Ghatak Force – The Army’s Assault Platoons

The Ghatak Force works as the assault troops of the Indian Army’s infantry battalions. While not as specialized as Para SF, they are trained to lead from the front during high-intensity combat.

• Primary Role: Raids, reconnaissance, and shock assault operations

• Training: Focuses on hand-to-hand combat, demolitions, and advanced weapon handling

7. Special Protection Group (SPG)

The SPG is India’s top security unit dedicated to safeguarding the Prime Minister and select VIPs. Formed in 1988 after Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination, it focuses solely on high-level protection. Despite its elite status, the force has a high dropout rate of about 50%. Its motto is “Bravery, Dedication, Security.” 

• Primary Role: SPG is ranked 7th mainly because its specialization is limited to VIP security rather than broader operations.

• Training: Members undergo rigorous training in close combat, tactical driving, and advanced threat analysis. 

8. Greyhounds

The Greyhounds are a state police commando unit from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, created in 1989 to counter the Naxalite insurgency. Known for their jungle warfare skills, they excel in ambush and guerrilla tactics. With tough survival training and a high dropout rate of nearly 60%, they operate under the motto “Swift, Silent, Deadly.” 

• Primary Role: Their focus on regional insurgencies earns them the 8th spot in the ranking.

• Training:  jungle warfare skills, they excel in ambush and guerrilla tactics

9. Force One

Force One is a counter-terrorism unit under the Maharashtra Police, formed soon after the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Its main task is rapid response during urban terror strikes and hostage situations across Mumbai. Training covers close-quarter battles, urban warfare, and advanced weapons use. While the force is efficient and always on standby, its scope is restricted to Mumbai, placing it at rank 9.

• Role: rapid response during urban terror strikes and hostage situations across Mumbai.

• Training: covers close-quarter battles, urban warfare, and advanced weapons use. 

10. Special Frontier Force (SFF)

The Special Frontier Force, also called the Vikas Battalion, is a highly secretive unit under RAW (India’s external intelligence agency). Established after the 1962 Sino-Indian war, it undertakes covert, high-risk operations, including during Indo-Pak conflicts. Members are trained in high-altitude warfare and unconventional missions but face one of the toughest selection processes with high attrition. Due to its clandestine nature, many of its details remain classified.

• Role: It undertakes covert, high-risk operations, including during Indo-Pak conflicts.

• Training: in high-altitude warfare and unconventional missions but face one of the toughest selection processes with high attrition.

Who is Better, Marcos or NSG?

Marcos (Marine Commandos) and NSG (National Security Guard) have distinct roles and specializations, making a direct "better" comparison context-dependent:

• Marcos are the special forces of the Indian Navy, trained for operations at sea, air, and land, excelling particularly in maritime warfare, amphibious operations, and counter-terrorism in maritime environments. They are highly versatile commandos with rigorous training focused on varied terrain including water bodies and coastal areas.

• NSG, also known as Black Cat Commandos, is India's premier counter-terrorism and hostage-rescue unit, specializing in urban counter-terrorism, VIP protection, and quick strike operations against terrorists. They focus mainly on urban and critical infrastructure scenarios.

Indian Special Forces List at a Glance

Here is the list of various Indian Special Forces that are incorporated in Types of Commandos in India.

• Para SF (Indian Army)

• MARCOS (Indian Navy)

• NSG – Black Cats

• Garud Commandos (Indian Air Force)

• COBRA (CRPF)

• Ghatak Force (Indian Army Infantry)

• SPG (Special Protection Group)

• Greyhounds

• Force One

• Special Frontier Force (SFF)

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