Synopsis
- Their numerous missions are still classified under reasons of security, but their expanding combat history goes to show that the Garud Commandos can no longer be considered as just airbase guard dogs and is an active Special operations force that can perform both standalone missions as well as joint missions with the other troops.
The Garud Commandos are the elite special forces unit of the Indian Air Force. Known for their precision, discipline, and specialized air-centric combat skills, the Garud Commando force was created to protect critical air force assets, air bases and conduct high-risk operations in hostile territories. Over the years, the Garud Commandos have evolved into one of India’s most capable and technologically advanced special operations units, playing a vital role in counter-terrorism, combat search and rescue, and strategic airbase protection.
The Garud Commandos are unique with regard to their structure, unlike the old-fashioned infantry-based special forces that are required to achieve their operational needs in the latest aerial warfare. Their duties are not limited to airbase protection, but their services are in the midst of the enemy territory, being used to assist with air operations.
Establishment of the Force
The concept of establishing an Indian Air Force exclusive special force came into the scene during the early 2000s following the appreciation of the increasing threat to India’s airbases and strategic air assets. The global conflicts and the terror attacks awakened the necessity to develop a special unit that is specially trained to protect air power infrastructure and perform special missions in accordance with the aerial combat planning.
Garud Force was constituted in 2004. The mythical garud is a name given after a bird myth that is associated with speed and power, which is the quick and decisive operating power of the unit. The force, which started small in terms of the number of troops, has over time grown in size and complexity to suit changing national security needs.
Since its inception, the basic requirement of the Garud Commandos has been to offer specific security to air force establishments, radar posts, and aircraft. They, however, soon gained the responsibility of counter-terrorism missions, destruction of hostile air defenses, and search and rescue missions in situations involving war.
Notable Operations
Since their establishment, Garud Commandos have continuously been in the operational theaters. They have also been among their most important engagements in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir, where they have served alongside the forces of the Indian Army and other security agencies. Their attendance in actual battlefront scenarios has enhanced their experience of operations and preparedness to the battlefront.
Garud Commandos have also been utilized to guard the forward airbases within the sensitive areas, especially near the borders of high threats to India. They are very instrumental during a time of increased tensions and in cross-border conflicts in securing air assets and continuity of the air missions.
Also, the Garuds have been involved in peacekeeping operations in the United Nations, where they have been representing India in conflict areas across the world. These missions have furnished them with important exposure to operational settings worldwide and coordination of joint forces.
Their numerous missions are still classified under reasons of security, but their expanding combat history goes to show that the Garud Commandos can no longer be considered as just airbase guard dogs and is an active Special operations force that can perform both standalone missions as well as joint missions with the other troops.
Training and Selection
Garud Commandos training is one of the most vigorous trainings in the Indian armed forces. The volunteers are recruited in the Indian Air Force itself, and they have to undergo strict physical, psychological, and endurance tests before they are inducted into the force.
The training program takes more than a year, and it consists of advanced weapons handling skills, close-quarter battle skills, airborne training, survival training, and counter-terrorism exercises. The trainees subjected to this go through harsh environments, sleep deprivation, activities, and long combat exercises to evaluate mental toughness as much as physical toughness.
Garuds also undergo regular skills, like combat, free-fall parachuting, target precision, and securing high-value assets. Due to the close collaboration with air operations, they are further trained on air traffic security and aircraft protection strategies and coordination with fighter and transport squadrons.
They are trained to be able to perform combat search and rescue operations in the enemy-controlled territory, deep into- to rescue downed pilots or to bring secret equipment even in the most extreme conditions.
International Visibility and Drills with the Foreign Forces.
The Garud Commandos has over the years, been engaged in various combined military drills with friendly countries, and this has boosted the level of their tactics as well as their exposure on the world front. In the form of joint exercises and multinational operations, they have perfected their knowledge in urban warfare, counter-terrorism, and the defence of airbases.
They have participated in international operations like Exercise Red Flag by the Air Force of the United States. Such advanced exercises enable Garud Commandos to be able to train with some of the most advanced air forces in the world, enhancing interoperability and battle coordination.
The involvement in these international interactions has been adding to the reputation of the Garud Force professionally. They have been credited with being a well-trained and very competent special operations force because of their success in multinational operations.
The Future of Garud Commandos.
The role of the Garud Commandos is likely to increase significantly as modern warfare turns more and more technologically based and air power becomes the key to military policy. The force will keep revising its doctrine of training and operating in response to emergent threats like drone warfare, air defense systems intertwined with cyber communications, and hybrid wars.
The Indian Air Force is clearly equipping the special forces wing with modern equipment, night-sight, precision, and sophisticated surveillance equipment. It is concerned with the agility and network-centricity of the Garud Commandos, making them able to be deployed fast on numerous terrains.
Since their formation in 2004 up to their current status of a battle-tested special force, the Garud Commandos have been a very important element of the Indian air defense policy. Their development is typical of the wider Indian attempt to enhance its special operations capacity in the context of the growing and more complicated international security environment.
