View source for Garud Commando Force

{{Short description|Indian Air Force unit}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name                     = Garud Commando Force
| image                         = IAF-Garud_SF.png
| image_size                    = 
| caption                       = Garud Winged Badge
| patron                        = [[Garuda]]
| motto                         = ॥प्रहार से सुरक्षा॥
(Translation: Defence by Offence)
| start_date                    = {{Start date|df=yes|2004|2|06}} – present ({{Age in years and months|2004|2|06}})
| dates                         = {{Start date|df=yes|2004|2|06}} – present ({{Age in years and months|2004|2|06}})
| country                       = {{flagcountry|India}}
| branch                        = {{air force|India}}
| type                          = [[Special forces of India|Special Forces]]
| size                          = 1,080-1,500 (est.) {{small|([[Classified information|Classified]])}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-05-16 |title=Agencies take shape for special operations, space, cyber war |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-begins-setting-up-new-tri-service-agencies-to-handle-special-operations-space-and-cyberspace/articleshow/69346012.cms |access-date=2024-10-22 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref name=":02" />
| command_structure             = 
| garrison                      = GRTC {{small|([[Classified information|Classified]])}}
| garrison_label                = 
| nickname                      = 
| colors                        = 
| colors_label                  = 
| battles                       = [[MONUC|MONUC (Congo)]]<br /> [[Security]] during [[Aero India|Aero India 2005-2013]]<br /> [[Kashmir conflict]]<br /> [[2016 Pathankot attack]]<br /> [[Insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir]]
| decorations                   = 1 Ashok Chakra, 8 Shaurya Chakras
| battle_honours                = <!-- Commanders -->
| commander1                    = 
| commander1_label              = 
| notable_commanders            = <!-- Insignia -->
| identification_symbol         = [[File:Special forces.png|170px|center]]
| identification_symbol_label   = ''Special Forces'' shoulder tab
| identification_symbol_2       = [[File:IAF garud patch.svg|150px|center]]
| identification_symbol_2_label = Sleeve patch
}}
The '''Garud Commando Force''' is the [[special forces]] of the [[Indian Air Force]]. It was formed on 6 February 2004 and with a plan to have around 2,000-personnel strength.<ref name="business-standard2">{{cite web|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/garud-commandoes-take-first-casualties-after-secretly-operating-for-12-yrs-117101101012_1.html|title=Garud commandoes take first casualties after operating for 12 yrs in J&K|date=2017-10-12|access-date=2018-10-14}}</ref><ref name=":02">{{Cite web|url=http://www.india.com/news/india/iaf-to-induct-700-more-garud-commandos-913343/|title=IAF to induct 700 more Garud commandos|date=2016-02-02|website=India.com|access-date=2016-02-03}}</ref><ref name=":12">{{Cite web|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/iaf-plans-to-raise-10-more-garud-squadrons/articleshow/50825527.cms|title=IAF plans to raise 10 more Garud squadrons - The Economic Times|website=The Economic Times|access-date=2016-02-03}}</ref> The unit derives its name from ''[[Garuda]]'', a [[Hindu deities|Hindu deity]].

Garud forces are tasked with protecting critical Air Force bases and installations, search and rescue, and disaster relief during calamities.<ref name="PIB Sep 072">{{cite press release|title=Constitution of Commando Force|publisher=Press Information Bureau, [[Government of India]]|date=18 December 2003|url=http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=262|access-date=2008-07-25}} [https://web.archive.org/web/20110605224056/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=262 Archived] from the original in [[Wayback Machine]].</ref> In 2004, Garuds were deployed in the [[Democratic Republic of the Congo|Congo]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2004/sep/09iaf1.htm|title=IAF's Garuda Force to be sent to Congo|website=www.rediff.com|access-date=2018-04-25}}</ref> as part of the [[MONUC|UN peace keeping operations]].

== History ==

[[File:IAF Garud commando.jpg|thumb|IAF Garud commando]]
In 2001,  after the terrorists attempted to attack two major airfield bases in Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Air Force commanders felt the need for a specialized force for protecting these critical elements should have dedicated commandos trained with [[Special Forces]] techniques such as [[Counterinsurgency|Counter Insurgency]] (COIN) Operations, [[Combat Search and Rescue]], [[Reconnaissance]], for encountering and neutralizing the airfield based terror-threats.

While the Army might have provided some Special forces units to the Air Force, its units were always subject to being posted out on rotation to other areas as per the Army's requirements. It was felt that the specialized training the Air Force would have provided for such units would have to be repeated for the replacement units. The initial plans mooted in October 2001 called for a specialized force with 2000 [[commando]]s. The group was originally called "Tiger Force", but was later renamed as "Garud Force".<ref name="ToI 2002">{{Cite web|date=1 October 2002|title=IAF to form commando force to protect airbases|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/IAF-to-form-commando-force-to-protect-airbases/articleshow/23873243.cms|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022141108/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2002-10-01/india/27318740_1_commando-force-airbases-indian-air-force-plans|archive-date=22 October 2012|website=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=28 September 2020}}</ref> To address the need for a dedicated force, in September 2003, the [[Government of India]] authorized a 1080-strong force to be raised and trained on the lines of the [[Para SF]] of the Army and [[MARCOS]] of the [[Indian Navy]],<ref name="PIB Sep 072"/>  with the mandate of performing niche, Air Force specific operational tasks.

Soon after, the first batch of 100 volunteers from the IAF No.1 Airmen Training Center at [[Belgaum]], [[Karnataka]] were earmarked to undergo Garud Training at [[Gurgaon]]. The Garuds were first unveiled on 6 February 2004, when the first batch of 62 "Air Commandos" passed out of training in New Delhi.<ref>[http://mod.nic.in/samachar/march01-04/html/3a.htm Picture of Garud demonstrations during the Passing out ceremony]</ref><ref>[http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=71065 IAF Garud commandoes pass out]{{dead link|date=February 2023|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}, Second passing out batch of Garuds, ''[[Indian Express]]'', 18 December 2003</ref><ref name="Indiainfo">[http://news.indiainfo.com/2004/02/05/0502iaf.html 'Garud' the special Commando Force joins IAF] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204183213/http://news.indiainfo.com/2004/02/05/0502iaf.html |date=4 December 2008 }}, ''indiainfo.com'', 5 February 2004.</ref> The Garuds were first seen publicly during the Air Force Day celebrations in New Delhi on 8 October 2004.<ref>[http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20041006/main6.htm Dhruv to star in flypast], ''The Tribune'', 5 October 2004.</ref> In the aftermath of the [[2016 Pathankot attack|Pathankot Terror Attack]], the Indian Air Force decided to raise ten additional squadrons of Garud commandos, comprising about 700 personnel, bringing the total strength of the force to 1780.<ref name=":02"/><ref name=":12"/><ref>{{Cite web|title = After Pathankot attack, IAF to induct 700 more Garud commandos {{!}} Latest News & Updates at Daily News & Analysis|url = http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-after-pathankot-attack-iaf-to-induct-700-more-garud-commandos-2173350|website = dna|access-date = 2016-02-03|language = en-US}}</ref>

== Responsibilities ==

The mandated tasks of the Garuds include direct action, special reconnaissance, rescuing downed pilots in hostile territory, establishing airbases in hostile territory, and providing air traffic control to these airbases.<ref>{{Cite web|date=10 November 2017|title=Indian Commandos Heads To Israel For 'Major' Military Drill|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/indian-commandos-in-israel-for-2-week-long-blue-flag-military-drills/304149|access-date=27 September 2020|website=Outlook}}</ref> The Garuds also execute the [[suppression of enemy air defences|suppression of enemy air defenses]] and destruction of other enemy assets such as radars, evaluation of the outcomes of Indian airstrikes and use [[laser designator]]s to guide Indian airstrikes.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Shukla|first=Ajai|date=2017-10-11|title=Garud commandoes take first casualties after operating for 12 yrs in J&K|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/garud-commandoes-take-first-casualties-after-secretly-operating-for-12-yrs-117101101012_1.html|access-date=2020-09-27}}</ref> The security of IAF installations and assets are usually performed by the Air Force Police and the [[Defence Security Corps]] even though some critical assets are protected by the Garuds.<ref name="VK Bhatia">{{Cite web|last=V.K. Bhatia|first=Air Marshal (Retd)|date=October 2009|title=Special Forces - Garuds for All Reasons|url=http://www.sps-aviation.com/story/?id=363|access-date=2020-09-27|website=SP’s Aviation|language=en}}</ref>[[File:Garud Commandos at Vayu Shakti 2019.jpg|thumb|Garud Commandos at Exercise Vayu Shakti 2019.]]
Their airbase protection task also includes, when necessary, rendering inaccessible weapons systems and other assets by sealing them off.<ref name="ToI 2002" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|date=15 January 2016|title=Brief: Garuds (IAF Special Forces)|url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=134524|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214095035/https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=134524|archive-date=14 December 2019|access-date=2019-09-25|website=Press Information Bureau, Government of India}}</ref> The tasks they perform also includes counter-terrorism, airborne assault, anti-hijacking, hostage rescue and assist civilian relief operations during calamities.<ref>{{Cite web|date=12 October 2017|title=City-based airmen were part of anti-terror operations|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/chandigarh/city-based-airmen-were-part-of-anti-terror-operations-481053|access-date=28 September 2020|website=The Tribune}}</ref><ref name=":1" />

== Organization ==

[[File:Garud Commandos of Indian Air Force (cropped).jpg|thumb|Garud Commandos.]]
Garud personnel are enlisted as airmen in the Indian Air Force. The Garud commandos are organized into fifteen 'flights'. These flights are deployed at [[Air base|air force stations]]. Each flight is led by an officer who holds the rank of a [[Squadron leader|Squadron Leader]] or a [[Flight Lieutenant]] and is composed of around 60 to 70 men who usually operate in [[squad]]s of 14 soldiers. The Garud Commando Force has a reported strength of over 1500 personnel as of 2017.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Shukla|first=Ajai|date=2017-10-11|title=Garud commandoes take first casualties after operating for 12 yrs in J&K|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/garud-commandoes-take-first-casualties-after-secretly-operating-for-12-yrs-117101101012_1.html|access-date=2020-09-28}}</ref><ref name="VK Bhatia" /> A [[Wing commander (rank)|Wing Commander]] commands the force.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Pillarisetti|first=Jagan|date=19 October 2009|title=Garud Commando Force|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/today/unit-articles/333-garuds.html|access-date=2020-09-28|website=[[Bharat Rakshak]]|language=en-gb|archive-date=14 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150914045958/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Today/Unit-Articles/333-Garuds.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Additional personnel are planned for being added to the force.<ref>{{Cite news|title=IAF plans to raise 10 more Garud squadrons|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/iaf-plans-to-raise-10-more-garud-squadrons/articleshow/50825527.cms|access-date=2020-09-28}}</ref>

== Training ==

<!-- [[File:Garud Officer.jpg|thumb|right|Garud Officer at [[Aero India]]-2007. He is armed with an [[AK-47]] and [[Glock]] pistol (holstered). The unit identification and name patches have been removed. Note the characteristic black beret of the Garud Force.]] -->

=== Airmen Selection Process ===

Unlike its counterparts in the Army and Navy, candidates for Garud Commandos are not selected from volunteers of other branches. Recruitment to the Garuds is done directly through airmen selection centers via advertisements. Candidates found eligible for the force are put through a process of rigorous physical training. Candidates have only one chance to become a Garud trainee. Once a recruit completes training and meets the required standards, he is absorbed into the Commando force and is retained in this stream throughout his career. Wherever he is posted in the IAF, he will be part of a Garud Unit. This approach ensures that the Commando Force retains its highly trained men all through their career with the IAF. The first batch of Officers for the Garuds were volunteers from the Cadets of the Ground Duty Officers course being trained at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal, [[Telangana]]. After successful completion, these officers will be inducted and permanently assigned to the Garud Force for advancing to higher postings. Training is also conducted along with the Indian Army personnel at the Rashtriya Military School, in Belgaum, [[Karnataka]].

=== Training ===

[[File:Full Dress Rehearsal of IAF Fire Power demonstration Exercise 'Iron Fist 2013' at Pokharan, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan on February 19, 2013 (1).jpg|thumb|Garud Commandos para-dropping at Exercise Iron Fist at [[Pokhran]] in 2013.]]

Garud trainees undergo a 72-week training. The Basic Training course is the longest among all the Indian special forces regiments. The training duration before a trainee can qualify as a fully operational Garud is 3 years. The initial phase is a three-month probationary training depending upon the promising candidates for the next phases of training. This phase, which usually has a high attrition (Drop-out) rate is conducted at the Garud Regimental Training Centre located at [[Hindon Air Force Station|Hindon]], [[Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh|Ghaziabad]] ([[New Delhi]]). The subsequent phase of special operations training is imparted by the [[Special Frontier Force]], the Army's [[Para SF]], and [[National Security Guard|NSG]]. Those who qualify, proceed to the Parachute Training School (PTS) at [[Agra]] to complete the basic airborne phase. Trainees are trained along with paratroopers of the [[Indian Army]].

Further phases concentrate on niche fields like jungle and snow survival, demolition, etc. Garuds also train at the diving school of the [[Indian Navy]] and the Army's [[Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School]] ([[CIJWS]]). The final phase of training is active operations on being attached to the [[Rashtriya Rifles|Rashtriya Rifles of the Indian Army]], which helps the Garuds in gaining operational experience. After induction, the commandos also undergo continuous advanced training including anti-hijacking, counter-insurgency training, forest trekking, snow survival techniques, specialized weapons handling, and advanced diving skills.<ref name="Rediff1">[http://in.rediff.com/cms/print.jsp?docpath=/news/2004/feb/06garud.htm Garud: IAF's commando force takes off] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525062441/http://in.rediff.com/cms/print.jsp?docpath=%2Fnews%2F2004%2Ffeb%2F06garud.htm|date=25 May 2011}}, Rediff.com, 6 February 2004.</ref>

==Insignias and Uniforms==

Garud airmen wear the "Airman Beret Badge" on the cap. They are also parachute-trained and wear the para wings above the right pocket. The "Garud Force Patch" can be seen worn on the sleeve. The Garud Commando Badge, which was worn on the right pocket and resembles the [[National Security Guards|NSG]] badge, is no longer in use. Instead, they now have a Garud Winged Badge which is gold in color and worn on the left chest, similar to where pilot/aircrew wings are worn.

The Garuds used to wear a black beret, instead of the traditional maroon beret of the other Indian Special Forces units. At present, they wear the maroon beret. They sport the operational paratrooper's brevet on the right chest. The formation insignia is worn on the left shoulder. The Garuds are also entitled to wear "IAF GARUD" titles on the sleeves.

== Operational deployments ==

[[File:A helicopter extracting Garud Commandos at Vayu Shakti 2019.jpg|thumb|A helicopter extracting Garud Commandos at Vayu Shakti 2019]]

Very little is known about Garud commando operations and assignments, due to their classified nature. Garuds have been deployed to Congo as a part of the UN peacekeeping contingent. They also operate alongside special forces of the Indian Army in [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]] to gain operational exposure. Towards this purpose, teams from the flights are attached to Army SF units. The Garuds are now active in the region of Jammu and Kashmir carrying out counter-insurgency operations and neutralizing terrorists in the region. Garud commandos were tasked to provide security at the [[Yelahanka Air Force Station|Yelahanka AFS]] during [[Aero India]] (2005-2013)<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080102181007/http://www.hindu.com/2007/02/06/stories/2007020619560400.htm Garud to be deployed], ''[[The Hindu]]'', 6 February 2007.</ref><ref name="PIB2">[http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=91984 Bengaluru Gears up to Host Aero-India 2013] (Press release) Press Information Bureau, Government of India, 4 February 2013.</ref>

=== 2013 Chhattisgarh helicopter shootdown ===

On 18 January 2013, an IAF helicopter, with two Garud commandos as part of the security crew, while on a casualty evacuation sortie, was hit by 15 bullets fired by [[Naxalite–Maoist insurgency|Naxalites]] and crashed in [[Sukma district]], [[Chhattisgarh]]. When Yamlal Sahu was operating the police radio, he got wounded by bullets piercing his intestines.{{citation needed|date=February 2025}}

=== 2016 Pathankot attack ===

On 2 January 2016, during the [[2016 Pathankot attack]], a Garud team engaged the intruding terrorists in a firefight, during which Garud Commando Gursewak Singh was martyred.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/funeral-at-house-of-gursewak-singh-that-hosted-his-wedding-in-nov/story-iSz2p2opnThtwtQ1nruF8O.html|title = Funeral at house of Gursewak Singh that hosted his wedding in Nov|date = 4 January 2016}}</ref> The IAF assets were declared safe.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/cheat-sheet/punjab-air-force-base-terror-attack-2-terrorists-killed-gunbattle-on-1261437|title=After Day-Long Gun-Battle in Pathankot, 4 Terrorists Dead: 10 Developments}}</ref>

=== Jammu and Kashmir ===

Garud commandos are actively deployed in the [[Lolab Valley]] and the Hajin area of Jammu and Kashmir to conduct counter-insurgency operations.<ref name="AFSOD"/> They have undertaken operations against armed militants from groups such as [[Lashkar-e-Taiba]]. These operations have included tasks such as [[Direct action (military)|direct encounters]] and intelligence gathering.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/mail-today/story/garud-elite-commandos-anti-terrorism-jammu-kashmir-air-force-1123652-2018-01-06|title=' Garud' eyes new targets in Jammu and Kashmir|date=6 January 2018|website=[[India Today]]|access-date=14 February 2020}}</ref> The following are some of the known operations conducted by Garud commandos:
*Operation Rakh Hajin: This was an operation conducted by Garud commandos in which six militants were killed in the [[Kashmir Valley]]. The [[Ashok Chakra]] was posthumously awarded to [[Jyoti Prakash Nirala|Corporal J.P. Nirala]] for the same.<ref name="AFSOD">{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/army-navy-air-force-special-forces-deployed-jointly-to-hunt-terrorists-in-kashmir valley/articleshow/72209212.cms|title=Army, Navy, Air Force Special Forces deployed jointly to hunt terrorists in Kashmir valley|date=2019-11-24|work=[[Asian News International]]|access-date=2019-11-24|via=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref>
*In July 2018, two Garud commandos were Killed In Action (KIA) and two militants were killed during an intense terror attack at Hajin, [[Bandipore district|Bandipora]]. According to local authorities, the Garud commandos were operating alongside the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the J&K Police, and Indian Army.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Irfan|first=Hakeem|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/two-militants-killed-in-jk-gunfight/articleshow/61030717.cms|title=Two IAF Garud commandos, two militants killed in ongoing encounter in Hajin of Kashmir|date=2018-07-13|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2020-02-14}}</ref>

=== AFSOD deployments ===

In November 2019, Garud commandos started operating as a part of the first deployment of the [[Armed Forces Special Operations Division]] in Jammu and Kashmir.<ref name="AFSOD"/>

=== Ladakh ===

When the [[2020 China–India skirmishes|2020 China–India tensions]] began, Garud commandos were deployed near mountain peaks considered by India to have strategic value. Their role was to defend the Indian airspace against Chinese aircraft for which they employed [[9K38 Igla]] air defense systems.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-11-28|title=India-China faceoff: Indian Navy's MARCOS deployed near Ladakh's Pangong lake|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-china-faceoff-indian-navy-s-marcos-deployed-near-ladakh-s-pangong-lake/story-UHg6IOBjuYfEGNqZ5EaZYM.html|access-date=2020-11-29|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref>

==Gallantry awards==
{{expand section|date=December 2019}}

===Ashok Chakra===

In 2018, an [[Ashoka Chakra|AC]] was posthumously awarded to [[Jyoti Prakash Nirala|Corporal Jyoti Prakash Nirala]] of Unit 617, for displaying outstanding courage by killing two categories ‘A’ based terrorists and injuring two others, in an operation where six terrorists were killed, including the nephew of [[Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi]] at [[Bandipore|Bandipora, Jammu and Kashmir]] in the year 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/Awards/awards.php?cur=150&qyear=all&qaward=SC&qunit=all|title=Shaurya Chakra Awardee List, Indian Air Force - Database|website=Bharat Rakshak|language=en-US|access-date=2018-04-25}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/report/ashok-chakra-to-garud-commando-who-laid-down-life-in-j-k/20180125.htm|title = Ashok Chakra to Garud commando who laid down life in J-K}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/martyred-corporal-jyoti-prakash-nirala-joins-elite-iaf-club-tomorrow/articleshow/62647401.cms|title=Martyred Corporal Jyoti Prakash Nirala joins elite IAF club tomorrow &#124; India News - Times of India|newspaper=The Times of India |date=25 January 2018 }}</ref>

===Vayu Sena Medal===
Squadron Leader Rajeev Chauhan

Squadron Leader Dilip Gurnani

Sergeant Shyam Veer Singh (924678)

were simultaneously conferred the [[Vayu Sena Medal]] (2022) for serving in the Garud Commando Force, while being deployed in Jammu and Kashmir.
<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1517885|title= Sq Ldr. Rajeev Chauhan awarded the Vayu Sena Medal}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pib-gov-in.translate.goog/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1851887&_x_tr_sl=en&_x_tr_tl=hi&_x_tr_hl=hi&_x_tr_pto=tc,sc|title= Sq Ldr. Dilip Gurnani awarded the Vayu Sena Medal}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1851887|title= Sgt. Shyam Veer Singh awarded the Vayu Sena Medal}}</ref>

== Equipment ==
The following firearms are reportedly used by the Garud Commandos:

===Small arms===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|+
|-
! style="width:15%;" | Name
! style="width:10%;" | Weapon
! style="width:15%;" | Type
! style="width:5%;" | Caliber
! style="width:10%;" | Origin Country
! Notes
|-
! colspan="7" |Handguns
|-
|[[Glock 17]]
|[[File:GLOCK 19.JPG|Glock 19|150px]]||[[Semi-automatic pistol]]||[[9mm Parabellum|9×19mm Parabellum]]||{{AUT}}||'''Status: In service''', as Standard pistol
|-
|-
|[[Beretta 92FS]]
|[[File:Beretta-92FS.jpg|frameless|152x152px]]
|[[Semi-automatic pistol]]
|[[9mm Parabellum|9×19mm Parabellum]]
|{{ITA}}||'''Status: In service''', in small numbers. 
|-
|[[Beretta M9]]
|[[File:Beretta-M9A3-9mm.jpg|frameless|152x152px]]
|[[Semi-automatic pistol]]
|[[9mm Parabellum|9×19mm Parabellum]]
|{{ITA}}||'''Status: In service''', in small numbers. 
|-
|[[IWI Tavor TAR-21]]
|[[File:IWI-Tavor-TAR-21w1.jpg|IMI Tavor|150px]]||[[Assault rifle]]||[[5.56×45mm NATO]]||{{ISR}}||'''Status: In service''' Standard issued rifle
|-
|[[AK-103]]
|[[File:Ak103_m.jpg|AK-103 Assault Rifle|150px]]||[[Assault Rifle]]||[[7.62×39mm]]||{{RUS}}||'''Status: In service''' Standard issued rifle
<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-08-29 |title=Indian Air Force to replace INSAS rifles with new AK-103 weapons, details here |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indian-air-force-to-replace-insas-rifles-with-new-ak-103-weapons-details-here-101630205359171.html |access-date=2024-05-20 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|[[IMI Galil#Variants|IMI Galil 7.62 Sniper]]
|[[File:Galil-Sniper-Galatz-r001.jpg|Galil Sniper|150px]]||[[Sniper rifle]]|| 7.62×51mm NATO ||{{ISR}}||'''Status: In service''' Standard issued Sniper rifle
|-
|[[IWI Negev]]
|[[File:IWI-Negev-Zachi-Evenor-01-white.jpg|150px]]||[[Light machine gun]]||5.56×45mm NATO||{{ISR}}||'''Status: In service''', Standard Squad Automatic Weapon of special forces
|-
|[[AK-47]] (FAB Defense)
|[[File:AK74M FAB Defense tuning (3).jpg|150px]]
|[[Assault Rifle]]
|[[7.62×39mm]]||{{ISR}} and {{USSR}}||'''Status: In service''', Standard issued 7.62×39mm Assault Rifle.
|-
|}

==See also==
* [[Special Forces of India]]
* [[Indian Armed Forces|Indian armed forces]]
* [[Army ranks and insignia of India|Indian military ranks]]
* [[Indian Air Force]]
* [[Armed Forces Special Operations Division|Armed Forces Special Operations Division (AFSOD)]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060325060141/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/LAND-FORCES/Special-Forces/Garud.html Garud Commando Force] on [[Bharat Rakshak]].
* [http://mod.nic.in/samachar/march01-04/html/ch2.htm Garuds: Where Eagles Dare] in [[Sainik Samachar]]
* 
{{Commons category-inline|Garud Commando}}

{{Air force infantry}}
{{authority control}}

[[Category:Special forces of India]]
[[Category:Military units and formations of the Indian Air Force]]
[[Category:Air force special forces units]]
[[Category:Military counterterrorist organizations]]
[[Category:2004 establishments in India]]