Garud Commando Force

Garud Commando Force
source
Unit name	Garud Commando Force
Dates	2004–present
Country	Republic of India
Branch	Indian Air Force
Type	Special Forces
Role	Airfield security, counter-terrorism, combat search and rescue
Size	Classified
Garrison	New Delhi
Nickname	Garuds
Motto	()
Colors	Sky blue, Navy blue
Anniversaries	1 April

Garud Commando Force is the special forces unit of the Indian Air Force formed in 2004 for airborne protection, counter-terrorism and special reconnaissance. It provides force protection for Air Force Stations, conducts hostage rescue and aircraft recovery missions, and supports joint operations with the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Central Reserve Police Force. The unit trains for high-altitude warfare, urban warfare, amphibious operations, and counter-insurgency tasks across the Indian subcontinent and for international deployments.

History

The unit was raised in the aftermath of heightened threats following the Kargil War and the 2001 Indian Parliament attack to provide a dedicated airborne security and rapid-reaction capability for the Indian Air Force. Early force development drew on doctrines and advisors associated with units such as the Para (Special Forces), National Security Guard, Marcos, SAS, and US Air Force Security Forces, with institutional exchanges involving the Indian Army and Central Reserve Police Force. Initial deployments included protection of forward bases during the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami humanitarian effort and enhanced airfield security after the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Over time the unit expanded its remit to include combat search and rescue during cross-border tensions such as the 2019 India–Pakistan border skirmishes and in support of United Nations missions.

Organisation and Structure

The force is organised into multiple squadrons and companies aligned with major Air Force Stations and operational commands such as Western Air Command, Eastern Air Command, Southern Air Command, and Central Air Command. Command and control interfaces with the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief and tactical coordination occur with formations like I Corps and 3 Corps when integrated into larger operations. Administrative oversight leverages establishments including the Air Headquarters, Maintenance Command, and Training Command. Support elements collaborate with agencies such as the Aviation Research Centre, Research and Analysis Wing, National Security Guard, and local state police forces during counter-terror and counter-insurgency deployments.

Recruitment and Training

Personnel are recruited from across the Indian Air Force and through lateral entry from units such as Para (Special Forces), Assam Rifles, MARCOS, and Garhwal Rifles with medical and psychological screening analogous to processes used by the Indian Army and Indian Navy. Training pipelines include foundational courses at Air Force Academy, advanced commando training at centres inspired by Commando School, airborne courses with the Parachute Regiment, and survival training influenced by High Altitude Warfare School curricula. Modules cover close quarters battle techniques similar to National Security Guard doctrine, sniper training referencing standards used by Sashastra Seema Bal, EOD and bomb disposal tasks akin to Army Ordnance Corps practices, and combat diving aligned with MARCOS standards. International attachments and exercises have included exchanges with United States Air Force, United Kingdom Ministry of Defence, French Armed Forces, Republic of Korea Armed Forces, and Singapore Armed Forces.

Roles and Operations

Operational tasks encompass airbase defence, counter-terrorism raids, hostage rescue, VIP protection for air assets, aircraft recovery under contested conditions, and combat search and rescue for downed aircrew. The unit performs [joint] operations with the Indian Army Special Forces, Indian Navy, Border Security Force, and Central Industrial Security Force during domestic crises and national events such as Republic Day Parade security and summit diplomacy protection details. It also provides high-value asset protection at sites like INS Vikramaditya during integrated operations, and supports humanitarian relief during natural disasters exemplified by responses to the 2013 North India floods.

Equipment and Uniforms

Standard small arms and support weapons parallel those in service with the Indian Air Force and Indian Army special formations: assault rifles like the AK-47, INSAS, and Tavor TAR-21 acquired under procurement programmes; sidearms such as the Glock and Pistol 9mm variants; designated marksman rifles and sniper systems; and light machine guns akin to the PKM and Negev in limited roles. Specialised equipment includes night vision devices, thermal imaging from vendors used by Defence Research and Development Organisation projects, explosive ordnance disposal suits and robots employed by Bomb Disposal Squads, and airborne platforms for insertion such as helicopters in service like the Mi-17 and HAL Dhruv. Uniforms combine Indian Air Force blue patterns with specialised camouflage and insignia for parachute operations, fast-roping and maritime tasks, and protective gear compliant with standards of organisations like the Directorate General Defence Estates.

Notable Missions and Deployments

Noteworthy deployments include forward protection during the 2008 Mumbai attacks aftermath, search and rescue missions during the 2013 Uttarakhand floods, support for counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir and Northeast India alongside units such as Rashtriya Rifles and Assam Rifles, and evacuations during diplomatic crises similar to operations conducted by Indian Navy and Indian Air Force assets in Operation Raahat. The unit has also participated in multinational exercises alongside contingents from the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Singapore aimed at interoperability in counter-terrorism and maritime security scenarios.

Insignia and Traditions

Insignia and traditions draw on Indian Air Force heraldry and airborne symbolism; unit badges feature elements representing airborne wings, talons and national emblems paralleling motifs used by formations such as the Parachute Regiment and MARCOS. Annual commemorations coincide with unit raising day and involve ceremonial parades similar to practices at Air Force Stations and joint observances with the Armed Forces Flag Day. Training accolades and decorations awarded to personnel follow the honours framework including decorations comparable to the Vishisht Seva Medal and operational gallantry recognitions aligned with honours conferred by the President of India.

Category:Indian Air Force Category:Special Forces units and formations