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| Indian Navy MARCOS | |
|---|---|
| Unit name | MARCOS |
| Native name | Marine Commandos |
| Dates | 1987–present |
| Country | India |
| Branch | Indian Navy |
| Type | Special forces |
| Role | Maritime special operations, counter-terrorism, direct action, reconnaissance |
| Garrison | INS Abhimanyu (Mumbai), INS Valsura (if applicable) |
| Motto | "Shatrujeet" (Victory over the enemy) |
| Notable commanders | Adm. Arun Prakash, Adm. Nirmal Kumar Verma, Adm. Sunil Lanba |
Indian Navy MARCOS The Marine Commandos (MARCOS) are the Indian Navy's maritime special operations force established in 1987, specializing in maritime counter-terrorism, direct action, special reconnaissance and amphibious warfare. Trained for operations across littoral, riverine, jungle and urban environments, MARCOS operate alongside units such as Para (Special Forces), National Security Guard, Research and Analysis Wing, and international partners like United States Navy SEALs, Special Boat Service, and French Commandos Marine. Their missions intersect with national responses to incidents involving INS Trishul, INS Vikramaditya, Mumbai attacks (2008), and multinational exercises including Varuna (naval exercise), Malabar (naval exercise), and RIMPAC.
MARCOS were created in the aftermath of evolving maritime threats in the Indian Ocean region and the need for a dedicated Indian Navy special operations capability. Influences included study of units such as United States Navy SEALs, Special Boat Service, Marine Raiders, and the Russian Naval Infantry experience. Early operations and training exchanges involved cooperation with United Kingdom, United States, Russia, and Israel; these links accelerated capability development during incidents like the Sri Lankan Civil War and the regional flashpoints near Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Over decades MARCOS participated in counter-piracy patrols off Somalia, evacuation operations during the 2008–09 Israel–Gaza conflict style crises, and contingency planning tied to strategic chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz, Malacca Strait, and Gulf of Aden.
MARCOS are organized into squadrons and platoons embedded within the Western Naval Command, Eastern Naval Command, and Andaman and Nicobar Command. Units operate from establishments like INS Abhimanyu, INS Valsura, and forward-deployed naval bases including INS Kadamba, INS Vikramaditya, and INS Kolkata. The command structure coordinates with entities such as Integrated Defence Staff, Strategic Forces Command, Indian Coast Guard, and Border Security Force for joint missions. Liaison with agencies like Directorate of Naval Intelligence, Research and Analysis Wing, Aviation Research Centre, and defense contractors ensures operational support and procurement alignment with platforms such as INS Shivalik, INS Kamorta, Dhanush artillery and airborne assets like HAL Dhruv and Sikorsky MH-60R variants.
Selection begins with volunteers from Indian Navy ratings and Indian Naval Academy cadets who undergo rigorous trials influenced by curricula from United States Naval Special Warfare Command, Special Air Service, and GIGN. Training pipelines include clearance diving from INS Abhimanyu, airborne instruction at Paratroopers Training School, jungle warfare at Special Forces Training School, and cold-weather acclimatization at High Altitude Warfare School. Candidates train in close-quarters battle and marksmanship with instructors referencing doctrines from Joint Special Operations Command, NATO Special Operations Forces, and United Nations peacekeeping experience. Survival, evasion, resistance and escape elements draw on material linked to No. 1 Naval Air Squadron and international exchange with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and Royal Australian Navy.
MARCOS employ a mix of indigenous and imported equipment. Small arms include variants of the AK-47, SIG Sauer 552, IWI Tavor, Heckler & Koch MP5, FN SCAR, and sharpshooter rifles like the Barrett M82 and Dragunov SVD. Specialist weapons include the Glock series, Bren 2 prototypes, and naval demolition charges derived from Indian Ordnance Factories programs. Platforms include rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs), the Sarine Diver Delivery Vehicle concept, and fast interceptor craft used on INS Kolkata and INS Vikramaditya task groups. Diving gear, rebreathers and submersible equipment are procured alongside avionics from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bharat Electronics Limited, and foreign suppliers like Lockheed Martin and Thales Group.
MARCOS have conducted counter-piracy missions in coordination with Combined Task Force 151 and anti-piracy coalitions off Somalia, Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea. They executed evacuation operations such as Operation Sukoon and Operation Raahat alongside Indian Air Force and Indian Army assets. In the aftermath of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, MARCOS took part in maritime security reinforcement in tandem with Mumbai Police and National Security Guard units. They have been deployed for exercises like Sea Vigil, Tropex, Exercise Milan, and bilateral drills with United States Indo-Pacific Command, Royal Navy, and French Navy components. Intelligence-driven counterterrorism raids, VBSS (visit, board, search, and seizure) operations and hostage rescue missions are core tasks during deployments with carrier strike groups and amphibious ready groups such as those centered on INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant.
Notable MARCOS missions include anti-piracy interdictions leading to commendations from the Ministry of Defence (India), participation in Operation Pawan style contingency operations, and credited roles during multinational rescue efforts in the Indian Ocean tsunami (2004) aftermath. Personnel have received honors such as the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra, and Nau Sena Medal for gallantry and distinguished service. MARCOS contributions were recognized during joint operations with Operation Cactus frameworks, and in joint training initiatives that won plaudits from commanders in United States Pacific Fleet, Royal Navy and French Navy.
MARCOS insignia and badges draw on naval heraldry traditions seen in establishments like INS Vikramaditya and symbols used by Indian Naval Academy. Uniform items include specialized maritime camouflage, dry suits and combat wetsuits from manufacturers partnered with Ordnance Factories Board and private suppliers; headgear and berets reflect influences from Para (Special Forces) and Special Forces Regiment. Customs incorporate traditions of naval ceremonies practiced at Naval Dockyards and observances during Navy Day (India), with unit mottos and colors displayed during parades at INS Mandovi and inter-service commemorations with Indian Army and Indian Air Force contingents.
Category:Special forces of India Category:Naval units and formations of India