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{{Short description|Indian Navy special operations force}}
{{About|the Indian Navy special forces|other uses|Marcos (disambiguation){{!}}Marcos}}
{{Distinguish|MARSOC}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2021}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name                     = MARCOS
| image                         = Marine Commandos (MARCOS) logo enhanced.png
| image_size                    = 205
| caption                       = MARCOS Patch
| dates                         = February 1987&nbsp;– present<br>({{Age in years and months|1987|2|14}})<ref name="PIB" />
| country                       = {{flag|India}}
| allegiance                    = 
| branch                        = {{Navy|India}}
| type                          = [[Special Operations Forces]]
| command_structure             = 
| garrison                      = [[#Organization|INS Karna]], [[Vishakapatnam]], [[India]]
| garrison_label                = Headquarters
| nickname                      = ''Magarmach'' (The Crocodiles),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/marine-commandos-kings-of-all-special-forces/79320-3.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201062732/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/marine-commandos-kings-of-all-special-forces/79320-3.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 December 2008|title=Marine Commandos, kings of all special forces|date=28 November 2008|work=in.com|access-date=25 July 2016}}</ref><br />''Dadhiwala Fauj'' (The Bearded Army)<ref name="BC" /><ref name="BW">{{Cite web|url=http://www.indiatimes.com/culture/who-we-are/15-reasons-the-indian-navy-marcos-are-the-best-in-the-world-232296.html|title=15 Reasons The Indian Navy MARCOS Are The Best in the World|date=2 May 2015|website=India Times|language=en|access-date=8 September 2019}}</ref>
| patron                        = 
| motto                         = "The Few, The Fearless"<ref name="SM" /><ref name="BC" />
| size                          = 1,200-2,000 (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="finet.com" />
| colors                        = 
| colors_label                  = Operations
| march                         = 
| mascot                        = 
| battles                       = [[Operation Cactus]]<br />[[Operation Leech]]<br />[[IPKF|Operation Pawan]]<br />[[Kargil War]]<br />[[November 2008 Mumbai Attacks|Operation Black Tornado]]<br />[[November 2008 Mumbai Attacks|Operation Cyclone]]<br />[[Insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir|Counter-insurgency operations in Kashmir]]
| anniversaries                 = 14 February
| decorations                   = 
| current_commander             = 
| current_commander_label       = 
| ceremonial_chief              = 
| ceremonial_chief_label        = 
| colonel_of_the_regiment       = 
| colonel_of_the_regiment_label = 
| identification_symbol         = [[File:Marcos insignia.png|120px]]
| identification_symbol_label   = MARCOS badge
| identification_symbol_2       = [[File:Special forces.png|170px|center]]
| identification_symbol_2_label = ''Special Forces'' shoulder tab
}}

The '''Marine Commando Force (MCF)''', abbreviated to '''MARCOS''', are
the [[special forces]]  of the [[Indian Navy]].<ref name="SM" /><ref name="PIB" /> The MARCOS were originally named Indian Marine Special Force, which was later changed to Marine Commando Force to impart "an element of individuality" to it, according to the Indian Navy. The abbreviation 'MARCOS' was coined afterwards.<ref name="IA" />

The MARCOS were founded in February 1987. The MARCOS are capable of operating in all types of environments; at sea, in air and on land.<ref name="PIB" /><ref name="indiannavy.nic.in">{{cite web|url=http://indiannavy.nic.in/about-indian-navy/ins-abhimanyu|title=INS Abhimanyu|website=Indian Navy|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024172117/http://indiannavy.nic.in/about-indian-navy/ins-abhimanyu|archive-date=24 October 2013|access-date=18 September 2013}}</ref> The force has gradually acquired more experience and an international reputation for professionalism.<ref name="PIB" /><ref name="Ravindra Wijegunaratne" /> The MARCOS regularly undertake specialised maritime operations in [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]] through the [[Jhelum River]] and [[Wular Lake]], a {{Convert|65|km2|acre}} freshwater lake, and conduct counter-insurgency operations in the region.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://forceindia.net/the-maroon-beret/|title=With added emphasis on Special Forces, the army is set to change the face of war|date=18 March 2019|website=Force|language=en-US|access-date=17 September 2019}}</ref><ref name="indiannavy.nic.in" />

Some MARCOS units are a part of the tri-services [[Armed Forces Special Operations Division]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/major-general-a-k-dhingra-appointed-as-the-first-special-operations-division-commander/articleshow/69339545.cms?from=mdr|title=Major General A K Dhingra appointed as the first Special Operations Division Commander|date=15 May 2019|work=The Economic Times|access-date=8 September 2019}}</ref>

==History==
[[File:Statue of a Marine Commando of the Indian Navy.jpg|thumb|left|Statue of a Marine Commando on display at [[Visakha Museum]]]]

In 1955, the Indian military established a diving school at [[Cochin]] with the assistance of the British [[Special Boat Service]] and began teaching [[combat diver]]s skills such as [[Bomb disposal|explosive disposal]], clearance, and [[salvage diving]]. The combat divers failed to achieve their desired outcomes during the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]] as they were not adequately trained for sabotage missions.<ref name="world-sf">{{Cite book|last1=Ryan|first1=Mike|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eBNrNgAACAAJ|title=The Encyclopedia of the World's Special Forces: Tactics, History, Strategy, Weapons|last2=Mann|first2=Chris|last3=Stilwell|first3=Alexander|publisher=[[Spellmount]] |year=2003 |isbn=9781862272316 |quote=Indian combat diving began in 1955, when a diving school, under British SBS instruction, was established at Cochin. However, the divers produced were in effect salvage and clearance specialists, and, when used for sabotage operations in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War, they were largely unsuccessful. It was not until 1986 that steps were taken to form a proper naval commando element capable of undertaking a range of missions, from beach reconnaissance to maritime counter-terrorism. Volunteers from the diving unit were sent to train with the US Navy SEALs at Coronado, and a series of exchanges followed with the SBS. The result of this training in maritime special forces practice led to the formation of the Indian Marine Special Forces in February 1987.}}</ref><ref name="gs" />

The combat divers had also taught basic [[underwater demolition]] training to Muktibahinis (Freedom Fighters) from [[Bangladesh]], who were then sent on missions during the war and inflicted heavy damage to Pakistani logistics ship. The [[Indian Navy]] assisted the [[Indian Army]] in landing operations against the Pakistani military base in [[Cox's Bazar]]. After the war ended, army units were often drafted into amphibious exercises. In 1983, the Indian Army formation called 340th Army Independent Brigade was converted into an amphibious assault unit and a series of joint airborne-amphibious exercises were conducted in later years.<ref name="gs">{{cite web|url=http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-Intelligence-Review-96/MARINE-COMMANDOS-INDIA-S-FLEXIBLE-ELITE.html|title=Marine Commandos: India's Flexible Elite, Archived|date=1 May 1996|website=[[Jane's Intelligence Review]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103221726/http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-Intelligence-Review-96/MARINE-COMMANDOS-INDIA-S-FLEXIBLE-ELITE.html|archive-date=3 November 2012|access-date=15 July 2012}}</ref>

In April 1986, the Indian Navy started planning for the creation of a special forces unit that would be capable of undertaking missions in a maritime environment, conducting raids and reconnaissance, and [[counter-terrorism]] operations. Three volunteer officers from the diving unit, which was created in 1955, were selected and underwent training courses with the [[United States Navy SEALs]] at [[Coronado, California|Coronado]]. They later went on training exchanges with the [[Special Boat Service]]. In February 1987, the Indian Marine Special Force (IMSF) officially came into existence and the three officers were its first members.<ref name="gs" /><ref name="world-sf" />

The IMSF was renamed as 'Marine Commando Force' in 1991.<ref name="sp.com" />

==Known activities and operations==
[[File:MARCOS and US Navy SEALs, Urban Combat Training, MALABAR 2021 (bright).jpg|thumb|MARCOS and US Navy SEALs, Urban Combat Training, MALABAR (2021)]]

The MARCOS are capable of undertaking operations in all types of terrain but are specialised in maritime operations. The force has undertaken numerous joint exercises with special forces from around the world. {{As of|2012}}, the MARCOS has about 2,000 personnel, though the exact number remains classified. Operations undertaken by MARCOS usually remain classified; some of the known operations are:<ref name="finet.com">{{cite news|title=Indian Marine Commandos MARCOS celebrate 25 glorious years|url=http://frontierindia.net/indiandefence/indian-marine-commandos-marcos-celebrate-25-glorious-years/|access-date=6 July 2012|newspaper=Frontier India|date=31 May 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120602040111/http://frontierindia.net/indiandefence/indian-marine-commandos-marcos-celebrate-25-glorious-years/|archive-date=2 June 2012}}</ref><ref name="Hiranandani">{{cite book|last=Hiranandani|first=G.M.|title=Transition to Eminence: The Indian Navy 1976–1990|year=2009|publisher=Lancer|location=Delhi|isbn=978-8170622666|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/sites/default/files/Transition-to-Eminence-07Apr16.pdf}}</ref>

[[File:MARCOS during a VBSS exercise at RIMPAC 2022.png|thumb|MARCOS performing a simulated [[Visit, board, search, and seizure]] (VBSS) exercise aboard MV ''Ocean Valor'' at [[Exercise_RIMPAC#RIMPAC_2022|RIMPAC 2022]]]]
[[File:Indian Navy MARCOS boarding on FV Omari.jpg|thumb|MARCOS boarding the Iranian flagged vessel FV ''Omari'' held captive by Somali pirates]]
[[File:Indian Navy MARCOS rescuing hijacked Bulgaria-owned vessel MV Ruen.jpg|thumb|MARCOS rescued a Bulgarian crew member from the hijacked MV ''Ruen'' on 16 March 2024.]]

{{dynamic list}}
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Name !! Date !!  Notes
|-
| '''[[Operation Pawan]]''' || 1987 || The Indian Marine Special Force, as the MARCOS was then known, helped capture the harbours of [[Jaffna]] and [[Trincomalee]], Sri Lanka, as part of the [[Indian Peace Keeping Force]].<ref name="sp.com">{{cite web|title=Marine Commando Force|url=http://www.specialoperations.com/Foreign/India/MCF.htm|publisher=Specialoperations.com|access-date=15 July 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120705041432/http://www.specialoperations.com/Foreign/India/MCF.htm|archive-date=5 July 2012}}</ref><ref name="gs" /><ref name="CW" /> On 21 October, MARCOS conducted a successful amphibious raid against a [[Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam]] (LTTE) base at Guru Nagar.<ref name="SpecOps">[http://www.specialoperations.com/Foreign/India/MCF.htm India. Marine Commando Force] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120705041432/http://www.specialoperations.com/Foreign/India/MCF.htm|date=5 July 2012}} Special Operations.Com</ref> MARCOS swam {{Convert|12|km|miles|abbr=in}} to their target with their combat load in a tow. They rigged the LTTE harbour with explosives without being detected. After they detonated the explosives and destroyed the harbour, LTTE militants started firing upon them. MARCOS fired back and swam to safety after the gunfight with no casualties.<ref name="Hiranandani" /><ref name="BC" /><ref name="SO">{{Cite journal|date=3 July 2012|title=Major Lessons from Operation Pawan for Future Regional Stability Operations|url=http://www.idsa.in/jds/6_3_2012_MajorLessonsfromOperationPawanforFutureRegionalStabilityOperations_SKalyanaraman|journal=Journal of Defence Studies, Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses|volume=6|pages=29–52}}</ref><ref name="BW" /> A team of 18 MARCOS were involved in this operation. The team was led by Lt. Aravind Singh, an officer trained by the [[US Navy SEALs]]. He was awarded the [[Maha Vir Chakra]] for this mission.<ref name="Ravindra Wijegunaratne">{{cite web |author1=Admiral [[Ravindra Wijegunaratne]] |title=Combat experience with Indian Navy Marine Commandos |url=https://island.lk/combat-experience-with-indian-navy-marine-commandos/ |website=[[The Island (Sri Lanka)|The Island]] |access-date=12 December 2020 |date=11 December 2020}}</ref>
|-
| '''[[Operation Cactus]]''' || 1988 || The MARCOS, as part of the Indian Navy contingent, defended the democratic government of President [[Maumoon Abdul Gayoom]] of the [[Maldives]] from a coup. The force played a supporting role in India's successful military aid, helping foil the attempted coup by Sri Lankan militants from the [[PLOTE]] and [[ENDLF]]. A group of 47 mercenaries attempted to escape by sea with 23 hostages on a hijacked vessel, MV Progress Light. The MCF was pressed into service along with {{INS|Godavari|F20|6}}, a multi-role [[frigate]] carrying Seaking helicopters and [[Breguet Alizé|Alize]] aircraft operating from the Navy's base at [[Kochi]]. ''Godavari'' trailed the hijacked vessel for two days, firing intermittently on the vessel's superstructure. An Alize anti-submarine aircraft dropped two depth charges near the vessel, causing the militants to appear on the upper decks and surrender. A contingent of MARCOS operating from Ratmalana Airfield on the outskirts of Colombo, with some help from the [[Sri Lankan Army]], boarded the ship and accepted the surrender of the militants and took them into custody.<ref name="CW" />
|-
| '''Operation Tasha''' || 1991 || Operation Tasha, which was instituted after [[Operation Pawan]] wound up, was a coastal security operation on the [[Tamil Nadu]] coast to thwart operations of the LTTE there.<ref name="sp.com" /><ref name="idf">{{cite journal |last=Hiranandani |first=Vice Adm (Retd) GM |date= 24 March 2014|title=Navy's Marine Commandos |url=http://www.indiandefencereview.com/spotlights/navys-marine-commandos/ |journal=Indian Defence Review|issue=Book Excerpt: Transition to Guardianship: The Indian Navy 1991–2000 |access-date=15 September 2014}}</ref>
|-
| '''Operation Zabardust''' || 1992 || MARCOS personnel intercepted an LTTE vessel smuggling arms and ammunition.<ref name="idf" />
|-
| '''[[UNOSOM II]]''' || 1993 ||  MARCOS were deployed off [[Mogadishu]] in support of the Indian contingent in Somalia. The team provided Maritime Special Operations support to the Naval Task Force.<ref name="finet.com" /><ref name="idf" /><ref>{{cite news|title=Marine commandos celebrate silver jubilee|url=http://www.firstpost.com/fwire/marine-commandos-celebrate-silver-jubilee-328099.html|access-date=6 July 2012|newspaper=First Post|date=31 May 2012}}</ref>
|-
| '''Operation Rakshak''' || ongoing ||'''[[Counter-insurgency]] (COIN) operations in [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]]''': In the [[Jhelum River]] and [[Wular Lake]], two to four teams of MARCOS are deployed through the year at Wular Lake. Militants were using this {{Convert|250|km2|sqmi|abbr=in}} lake,<ref name="idf" /> which is surrounded by mountains, to reach Srinagar, saving them from having to travel {{Convert|100|km|miles|abbr=in}} through the mountains. In 1995, a team of MARCOS was positioned at the lake and within weeks, militant activity on the lake ceased.<ref name="idf" /> Some MARCOS personnel are also attached to the Army special forces units conducting counter-terrorism operations in the area.<ref name="CW">{{cite web|title=Crocodiles of Wullar |url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/LAND-FORCES/Special/166-Crocodiles-Of-Wullar.html |publisher=Bharat Rakshak |access-date=15 July 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131008144813/http://bharat-rakshak.com/LAND-FORCES/Special/166-Crocodiles-Of-Wullar.html |archive-date=8 October 2013 }}</ref> MARCOS use tactics similar to those of Israeli undercover special warfare units [[Mista'arvim]], wearing beards and the 'pheren' (Kashmiri suit), making them indistinguishable from the locals.<ref name="fotn" />

During Operation Rakshak, MARCOS have undertaken missions in which they have engaged and killed heavily armed militants. These operations have included [[close-quarters combat]] and intense gunfights.<ref>{{cite web |title=Gallantry medals to naval personnel on Independence day 2019 |url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=192636 |website=Press Information Bureau, Government of India |access-date=29 February 2020}}</ref>

As of 2017, a team of 30 MARCOS personnel was permanently deployed in Wular Lake. MARCOS has also helped the Indian Army to eliminate militants from islands in the Jhelum River, where militants use plantations as hiding spots.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/kashmir-marcos-army-wular-lake-terrorists-1025049-2017-07-18|title=Now, MARCOS helping Army flush out terrorists in Kashmir|date=18 July 2017|website=[[India Today]]|access-date=22 January 2020}}</ref>
|-
| '''[[Kargil War]]''' || 1999 || MARCOS were involved alongside the Indian Army during the Kargil War.<ref name="Hiranandani" /><ref name="idf" />
|-
| '''Operation Rahat in [[Yemen]]''' || 2015
 || In March 2015, the Indian Navy undertook this operation to rescue thousands of civilians from war-torn Yemen. Amid intense fighting and airstrikes being conducted by a coalition led by [[Saudi Arabia]], MARCOS was tasked with ensuring the safe passage of civilians. Both Indian and foreign nationals were rescued during the operation.<ref>{{cite web |title=Gallantry Awards (Navy) |url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=126047 |website=Press Information Bureau, Government of India |publisher=Ministry of Defence |access-date=29 February 2020 |date=14 August 2015}}</ref>
|-
| '''[[2008 Mumbai attacks|Operation Black Tornado]]''' || 2008 || MARCOS stormed the Trident and Taj Hotels at Mumbai during the terrorist attacks on 26 November 2008 during the [[2008 Mumbai attacks|November 2008 Mumbai attacks]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200811281760.htm |title=MARCOS&nbsp;– Bravehearts who rescued Mumbai's hostages |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=28 November 2008 |location=Chennai, India |date=28 November 2008}}</ref>
|-
|Anti-Piracy || 2008 || In its first-ever action in the [[Gulf of Aden]], MARCOS thwarted an attempt by pirates to capture the Indian merchant vessel MV Jag Arnav on 11 November 2008.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Commandos-answer-SOS-from-Saudi-Indian-vessels-scare-off-pirates/articleshow/3699918.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022074439/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-11-11/india/27942549_1_merchant-vessel-indian-frigate-indian-warship |url-status=live |archive-date=22 October 2012 |title=Navy foils Indian ship's hijack attempt off Aden |access-date=11 November 2008 |first1=Rajat |last1=Pandit |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=11 November 2008}}</ref>
|-
| Exercise 'Balance Iroquois' 03-1/Vajra Prahar || 2003 || MARCOS participated in joint training exercises called Exercise 'Balance Iroquois' 03-1/Vajra Prahar with [[United States Special Operations Forces|US Special Operations Forces]] in [[Mizoram]].<ref>[http://www.hvk.org/articles/0503/157.html MARCOS joint exercises "Vajra Prahar"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060419092119/http://www.hvk.org/articles/0503/157.html |date=19 April 2006}} Hindu Vivek Kendra news article</ref>
|-
| Anti-Piracy || 2008 || On 13 December 2008 MARCOS units operating from the Indian Naval warship [[INS Mysore (D60)]] foiled a pirate hijack attempt of Ethiopian vessel ''MV Gibe'' off the Somali coast. Twenty-three pirates were arrested.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NEWS/newsrf.php?newsid=10510 | title = India plays globo cop off Somali coast as Western navies play safe | work = [[Bharat Rakshak]] | access-date = 24 December 2008 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081223160718/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NEWS/newsrf.php?newsid=10510 | archive-date = 23 December 2008}}</ref>
|-
| Anti-Piracy || 2011 || On 16 July 2011, INS Godavari and MARCOS foiled a piracy attempt on a Greek ship MV Elinakos in the Gulf of Aden.<ref>{{cite press release | title = INS Godavari Foils Piracy Attempt | publisher = Indian Navy | date = 19 July 2011 | url = http://indiannavy.nic.in/sites/default/files/PRel_110719_Godavari-Foils-Piracy.pdf | access-date = 22 November 2014 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131026114328/http://indiannavy.nic.in/sites/default/files/PRel_110719_Godavari-Foils-Piracy.pdf | archive-date = 26 October 2013}}</ref>
|-
| Anti-Piracy || 2013 || On 12 August 2013, the Indian Navy spotted an Iranian cargo ship Nafis-1 that was off-course in the Arabian Sea. Surveillance of the ship continued until 14 August, when a nine-strong MARCOS unit was deployed to intercept the ship via helicopter and support from the [[INS Mysore (D60)|INS Mysore]]. The commandos detained the hijackers. The Iranian ship had reportedly sailed from [[Chah Bahar]] in Iran. Navy Intelligence reports said the ship was being used to smuggle weapons and contraband. A store of automatic assault weapons found on board was confiscated.<ref>{{cite news|title=Indian Marine commandos apprehend hijacked vessel MV Nafis-1 290 nm off Mumbai|url=http://frontierindia.net/indiandefence/indian-marine-commandos-apprehend-hijacked-vessel-mv-nafis-1-290-nm-off-mumbai/|access-date=6 July 2012|newspaper=Frontier India|date=15 August 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401230209/http://frontierindia.net/indiandefence/indian-marine-commandos-apprehend-hijacked-vessel-mv-nafis-1-290-nm-off-mumbai/|archive-date=1 April 2012}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="2" |Anti-Piracy
| rowspan="2" |2017
|On 16 May, MARCOS responded to a distress call from a Liberian ship near the [[Gulf of Aden]] and thwarted a piracy attempt.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/how-indian-navy-foiled-piracy-attempt-in-gulf-of-aden/a-distress-call/slideshow/58735418.cms|title=How Indian Navy foiled piracy attempt in Gulf of Aden – Job well done|date=18 May 2017|website=The Economic Times|access-date=22 September 2019}}</ref>
|-
|On 6 October, MARCOS rescued an Indian [[bulk carrier]] that had been overtaken by pirates in the Gulf of Aden.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/indian-navy-vessel-thwarts-pirate-attack-on-indian-ship-in-gulf-of-aden-1759561|title=Indian Navy's Special Commandos Save Ship From Pirates in Gulf of Aden|date=6 October 2017|website=[[NDTV]]|access-date=22 September 2019}}</ref>
|-
|'''Rescue of Dubai princess [[Latifa bint Mohammed Al Maktoum (born 1985)|Sheikha Latifa]]'''
|2018
|On 4 March 2018, Indian special forces—suspected to be MARCOS—captured Dubai princess [[Latifa bint Mohammed Al Maktoum (born 1985)|Sheikha Latifa]] off the coast of India and handed her over to authorities from the [[United Arab Emirates]].<ref>{{cite web |title=The failed escape: Sheikha Latifa's doomed flight from Dubai |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-dubai-court-escape/the-failed-escape-sheikha-latifas-doomed-flight-from-dubai-idUSKBN20S24D |website=[[Reuters]] |access-date=9 March 2020 |date=6 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Govt keeps mum after UK judge talks of 'capture' of Dubai princess by Indian commandos |url=https://theprint.in/india/govt-keeps-mum-after-uk-judge-talks-of-capture-of-dubai-princess-by-indian-commandos/377400/ |website=[[ThePrint]] |access-date=9 March 2020 |date=7 March 2020}}</ref>
|-
|'''[[2020 China–India skirmishes|China-India skirmishes]]'''
|2020
|In October 2020, ''[[Hindustan Times]]'' reported that MARCOS are being deployed in the [[Ladakh|Eastern Ladakh]] alongside the Indian Army against the Chinese military.<ref>{{cite web |title=Gen Rawat asks tri-services to curb peace-time activities in deference to deployed troops in Ladakh |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/gen-rawat-asks-tri-services-to-curb-peace-time-activities-in-deference-to-deployed-troops-in-ladakh/story-TGSzOq5AxnQYe9878sGUrN.html |website=Hindustan Times |date=26 October 2020 |access-date=26 October 2020}}</ref> According to subsequent reports, MARCOS are present in the vicinity of the [[Pangong Tso]] lake where they will soon be conducting missions using boats.<ref>{{Cite web|date=28 November 2020|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=29 November 2020|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="7" |Anti-Piracy and [[Red Sea crisis]]
| rowspan="7" |2024
|On 5 January 2024, MARCOS based on the [[INS Chennai]] in the [[Arabian Sea]] boarded and rescued 21 crew members from the hijacked vessel MV Lila Norfolk.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/news/report/indian-navy-commandos-board-hijacked-ship-clear-it-of-hijackers/20240105.htm|title=Indian navy commandos board hijacked ship clear it of hijackers|access-date=7 January 2024}}</ref>
|-
|On 18 January 2024, MARCOS and Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team secured MV Genco Picardy following the drone attack by [[Houthi movement|Houthi militia]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Singh |first=Rahul |date=18 January 2024 |title=Indian warship responds to drone attack on merchant vessel in Gulf of Aden |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indian-warship-responds-to-drone-attack-on-merchant-vessel-in-gulf-of-aden-101705574877077.html |access-date=8 September 2024 |work=Hindustan Times}}</ref><ref name="AP">{{Cite web |last=Linganna |first=Girish |date=2024-09-04 |title=Where Is The Anti-Piracy Escort Force?: The Crisis In The Red Sea Exposes Chinese Inaction – Analysis |url=https://www.eurasiareview.com/04092024-where-is-the-anti-piracy-escort-force-the-crisis-in-the-red-sea-exposes-chinese-inaction-analysis/ |access-date=2024-09-08 |website=Eurasia Review |language=en-US}}</ref> 
|-
|During [[Marlin Luanda missile strike|''Marlin Luanda'' missile strike]], MARCOS led Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Defence (NBCD) and firefighting team of 10 personnel battled for six hours to extinguish the fire.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Deshpande |first=Smruti |date=2024-01-27 |title=Yet another Houthi missile strike on merchant vessel with Indian crew, Navy responds to SOS call |url=https://theprint.in/defence/indian-navy-responds-to-sos-call-from-vessel-struck-by-houthi-missile-in-gulf-of-aden/1941897/ |access-date=2024-09-08 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="AP" />
|-
|On January 24, 2024, MARCOS aboard [[INS Sumitra (P59)|INS Sumitra]] freed 17 Iranian hostages from Somalian pirates aboard the captured fishing vessel FV Iman.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pubby |first=Manu |date=2024-01-30 |title=Indian Navy rescues hijacked Iranian ship FV Iman from Somali pirates in Arabian Sea |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/indian-navy-rescues-hijacked-iranian-ship-fv-iman-from-somali-pirates-in-arabian-sea/articleshow/107240498.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2024-09-08 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref><ref name="SC">{{cite news |title=INS Sumitra Carries out 2nd Successful Anti Piracy Ops – Rescuing 19 Crew members and Vessel from Somali Pirates |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2000473 |access-date=8 September 2024 |agency=Ministry of Defence |publisher=Press Information Bureau |date=30 January 2024}}</ref>
|-
|The fishing boat Al Naeemi, flying the Iranian flag, was found and intercepted on 29 January 2024, by MARCOS. 19 Pakistani crew members and the ship were safely freed from Somali pirate control.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Singh |first=Rahul |date=30 January 2024 |title=Indian Navy foils second hijacking bid in Arabian Sea in 24 hours |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indian-navy-foils-2nd-hijacking-bid-in-36hrs-off-somalia-coast-rescues-iranian-boat-101706592501634.html |access-date=8 September 2024 |website=Hindustan Times}}</ref><ref name="SC" />
|-
|On January 29, 2024, MARCOS from [[INS Sharda (P55)|INS Sharda]], along with [[Seychelles People's Defence Force]] and [[Sri Lanka Navy]], successfully rescued LORENZO PUTHA 04 from Somalian pirates.<ref>{{cite news |title=INDIAN NAVY RESPONDS TO THE HIJACKING OF SRI LANKAN FISHING VESSEL IN COLLABORATION WITH SEYCHELLES DEFENCE FORCES AND SRI LANKA NAVY |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2000673 |access-date=8 September 2024 |agency=Ministry of Defence |publisher=Press Information Bureau |date=30 January 2024}}</ref>
|-
|On 17 March 2024, [[INS Kolkata]] and a [[MARCOS|MARCOS PRAHARs]] (squad of 8 commandos) jointly operated to rescue 17 crew members and captured 35 pirates from MV Ruen, which was hijacked after a 40-hour long operation under [[Operation Sankalp]]. The entire action was supported by [[INS Subhadra (P51)|INS Subhadra]], UAVs and [[Boeing P-8 Poseidon|P-8I]] aircraft. The hijacked ship was acting like a [[Mother ship|mothership]] for the pirates. The operation, under the larger [[Operation Sankalp]], was successful.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ships, Drones, Commandos: How Indian Navy Rescued Hijacked Vessel |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ships-drones-commandos-how-indian-navy-rescued-hijacked-vessel-5254211 |access-date=2024-03-17 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref><ref name="IN">{{Cite news |title=Indian navy rescues hijacked vessel MV Ruen from 35 pirates; all crew-members safe |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/indian-navy-rescues-hijacked-vessel-mv-ruen-from-35-pirates-all-crew-members-safe/articleshow/108551973.cms |access-date=2024-03-17 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Indian navy captures ship from Somali pirates, rescuing 17 crew members |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/16/indian-navy-captures-ship-from-somali-pirates-rescues-crew-members |access-date=2024-03-17 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref>
|}

== Organization ==
=== Operational responsibilities ===
[[File:HAL Dhruv MKIII and Commandos doing Heliborne operations.jpg|thumb|HAL Dhruv MKIII and Commandos doing Heliborne operations]]
[[File:Indian Navy MARCOS at Exercise RIMPAC 2022.jpg|thumb|]]
[[File:An Indian Marine Commando looks down his weapon during special operations urban combat training as part of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022.jpg|thumb|Indian Navy MARCOS during urban combat training at RIMPAC 2022]]
[[File:Indian Marine Commandos conduct live-fire lateral drills during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022.jpg|thumb|Indian Marine Commandos conduct live-fire lateral drills during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022.]]
[[File:MARCOS at Defence Expo 2020.jpg|thumb|MARCOS at Defence Expo 2020]]

As a specialised force, the MARCOS is responsible for conducting operations at the strategic and the tactical level.<ref name="PIB">{{Cite web|url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=146997|title=Chief of the Naval Staff commissions INS karna – Marine Commandos get a new Base at Visakhapatnam|date=12 July 2016|website=Press Information Bureau, Government of India|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200120021536/https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=146997 |archive-date=20 January 2020|access-date=8 September 2019}}</ref> MARCO operations are usually conducted in support of naval forces, although MARCOS are also deployed in other domains.<ref name="indiannavy.nic.in" /><ref name="IA" /> The responsibilities of MARCOS has evolved with time.<ref name="BC" /> Some of the duties of MARCOS include:-<ref name="IA" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/infrastructure/meet-the-7-mighty-commando-forces-of-india/slideshow/47611234.cms|title=Meet the 7 mighty commando forces of India|date=10 June 2015|website=[[The Economic Times]]|access-date=1 October 2019}}</ref><ref name="SO" /><ref name="BC" /><ref name="PIB" />

* Providing support to amphibious operations
* Special surveillance and amphibious reconnaissance operations
* Clandestine operations inside hostile territory, including diving operations and special raids
* [[Direct action (military)|Direct action]]
* Hostage rescue operations
* Counter-terrorism operations
* [[Asymmetric warfare]]
* [[Foreign internal defence]]

MARCOS can also assist the Indian Air Force in [[Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses|Suppression of Enemy Air Defences]] (SEAD) missions.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Menon|first= Murli|date=24 July 2020|title=Augmenting air defence in Ladakh with Navy|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/comment/augmenting-air-defence-in-ladakh-with-navy-117152|access-date=7 August 2020|website=The Tribune|language=en|quote=Naval maritime commandos (MARCOS) or the Army special forces could thus find employability within the IAF's counter-air, counter-terror or suppression of enemy air defence (SEAD) campaigns.}}</ref>

===Bases===
[[File:Hoisting of the Naval Ensign for the first time at INS Karna on the occasion of Commissioning.jpg|thumb|Commissioning of INS Karna, a dedicated base for MARCOS]]
[[File:MARCOS diving training.jpg|thumb|left|Diving training of MARCOS off the coast of [[Kochi]]]][[File:RIMPAC 2022, US, India conduct military freefall training.jpg|thumb|MARCOS are capable of para-dropping into the sea with a full combat load.]]

The MCF currently operates out of the naval bases at [[Mumbai]], [[Visakhapatnam]], [[Goa]], [[Kochi]] and [[Port Blair]].<ref name="fotn" /> There are plans to shift the current training facility at the Naval Special Warfare Training and Tactical Centre to a new facility to be set up at the erstwhile Naval Academy in [[Goa]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hoslaacademy.blogspot.com/2015/08/special-elite-forces-of-indian-defence.html|title=Special Elite Forces Of Indian Defence Forces: Indian Army, Indian Navy And Indian Airforce. That Will Make You Proud|access-date=7 January 2024}}</ref>

INS Abhimanyu, located in Mumbai, was the base where MARCOS was formed. It is named after [[Abhimanyu]], a character from the epic ''[[Mahābhārata]]''. The base is a part of the [[Western Naval Command]]. It was originally created in 1974 and was commissioned on 1 May 1980. The Indian Marine Special Force (IMSF) was located there in 1987.<ref name="BC" /><ref name="IA">{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/ins-abhimanyu|title=INS Abhimanyu {{!}} Indian Navy|website=www.indiannavy.nic.in|access-date=8 September 2019}}</ref> On 12 July 2016, the naval base [[INS Karna]] was commissioned near [[Visakhapatnam]] as the garrison
& permanent base for the unit.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/admiral-lanba-commissions-marine-commandos-unit-ins-karna/article8839250.ece|title=Admiral Lanba commissions Marine Commandos unit 'INS Karna'|date=12 July 2016|access-date=25 July 2016|newspaper=The Hindu|last1=Subrahmanyam|first1=G. S.}}</ref> The smallest unit of MARCOS is known as '''Prahar''' and consists of eight commandoes.<ref name="IN" />

==Selection and training==
All MARCOS personnel are selected from the Indian Navy when they are in their early 20s and have to go through a stringent selection process and training. The selection standards are extremely high. Training is a continuous process. American and British special forces assisted in setting up the initial training program, which now consists of a seven and a half to eight months course for new recruits. The training regimen includes airborne operations, combat diving courses, counter-terrorism, anti-hijacking, anti-piracy operations, direct action, infiltration and exfiltration tactics, special reconnaissance and [[unconventional warfare]]. Most of the training is conducted at INS Abhimanyu, which is also the home base of MARCOS.

All MARCOS personnel are freefall qualified ([[HALO/HAHO]]). A few also qualify to operate the Cosmos CE-2F/X100 two-man submarines.<ref name="sp.com" /> MARCOS train with the [[Special Forces of India|Special Forces officers of the Indian Army]] the [[Para SF]] at the [[Indian Special Forces Training School (SFTS)|Indian Special Forces Training School]], [[Nahan]] and Army's other schools for unconventional warfare. These include the Junior Leaders' Commando Training Camp in Belgaum, Karnataka, the Parvat Ghatak School for high altitude mountain warfare in [[Tawang|Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh]], desert warfare school in [[Rajasthan]], the [[High Altitude Warfare School]] (HAWS) in [[Sonamarg]], Kashmir, and the [[Counter-insurgency and Jungle Warfare School]] (CIJWS) in [[Vairengte]], Mizoram.<ref name="SM">{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/ifr-marcos-to-showcase-their-might/article8180883.ece|title=IFR: MARCOS to showcase their might|last=Bhattacharjee|first=Sumit|date=2 February 2016|work=The Hindu|access-date=22 September 2019|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> These schools routinely host students from other countries. MARCOS are then trained at agencies within the navy.

The pre-training selection process is made up of two parts. Indian Navy personnel who want to join MARCOS must undergo a three-day physical fitness and aptitude test. Within this process, 80% of the applicants are screened out. A further screening process known as 'hell's week' is similar to the [[United States Navy SEAL selection and training#Phase 1: Physical Conditioning (7 weeks)|United States Navy SEAL]]s' "[[United States Navy SEAL selection and training#Phase 1: Physical Conditioning (7 weeks)|Hell Week]]".<ref name="16 Impressive Things Indian Navy Marine Commandos Do in Training That Deserve Our Respect">{{cite web |url=http://www.storypick.com/indian-navy-marcos/ | title=16 Impressive Things Indian Navy Marine Commandos Do in Training That Deserve Our Respect | publisher=Storypick | date=7 April 2016 | access-date=22 October 2016}}</ref> This involves a high degree of physical exercise and sleep deprivation. After this process, actual training begins.<ref name="no">{{cite web|url=http://www.navioline.com/marcos-the-uber-elite-forces-of-the-indian-navy.html |title=MARCOS&nbsp;– The uber elite forces of the Indian Navy |work=navioline.com |access-date=25 July 2016 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120427113207/http://www.navioline.com/marcos-the-uber-elite-forces-of-the-indian-navy.html |archive-date=27 April 2012 }}</ref><ref name="red">{{cite news|title=India's best commandos fight terrorists|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/nov/27-indias-best-commandos-fight-terrorists.htm|access-date=6 July 2012|newspaper=Rediff.com}}</ref><ref name="MARCOS">{{cite web
|title=15 Reasons The Indian Navy MARCOS Are The Best in the World
|url=http://m.indiatimes.com/culture/who-we-are/15-reasons-the-indian-navy-marcos-are-the-best-in-the-world-232296.html
|publisher=India times
|date=2 May 2015 }}</ref> Around 80-85% of the volunteers who enroll fail to fully qualify as MARCOS.<ref name="BC">{{Cite web|url=https://bootcampmilitaryfitnessinstitute.com/elite-special-forces/indian-elite-special-forces/indian-navy-marine-commandos-marcos/|title=Indian Navy Marine Commandos (MARCOS)|date=10 February 2017|website=Boot Camp & Military Fitness Institute|language=en-GB|access-date=30 August 2019}}</ref>

The total duration of training of MARCOS is between seven and eight months.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/video/player/news/video-story/215663|title=नेवी के जांबाज़ मार्कोस|work=ndtv.com|access-date=25 July 2016}}</ref> Recruits receive warfare training through field operations in counter-insurgency and anti-terrorist operations, and are trained to operate in any kind of environment and in situations like hostage rescue, urban combat and piracy.<ref name="sp.com" /> A notably rigorous training program is the "death crawl"—an {{Convert|800|metre|foot|adj=on}} struggle through thigh-high mud while loaded with {{Convert|25|kg|lb|abbr=on}} of gear and after a {{Convert|2.5|km|mile|adj=on}} obstacle course that most soldiers would fail.<ref name="BC" /> After that, when the trainee is exhausted and sleep-deprived, he must shoot a target {{Convert|25|m|feet}} away, with a partner standing next to it.<ref name="BC" />

The MARCOS are trained in every kind of weapon and instruments, including knives, crossbows, sniper rifles, handguns, assault rifles, submachine guns and bare hands. Being divers, they can reach hostile shores swimming underwater.

Further training includes:<ref name="BC" />

*    Open and closed circuit diving
*    Basic commando skills including advanced weapon skills, demolitions, endurance training and martial arts
*    Airborne training
*    Intelligence training
*    Operation of submersible craft
*    Offshore operations
*    Counter-terrorism operations
*    Operations from submarines
*    [[Skydiving]]
*    Various special skills such as language training, insertion methods, etc.
*    [[Explosive ordnance disposal]] techniques

They are also trained to parachute into open water with full combat load.<ref name="fotn">{{cite web|url=http://www.funonthenet.in/forums/index.php?topic=133298.0;wap2|title=MARCOS&nbsp;– Pride of India|publisher=funonthenet.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629075044/http://www.funonthenet.in/forums/index.php?topic=133298.0;wap2|archive-date=29 June 2017|access-date=6 July 2012}}</ref> In 2013, the MARCOS introduced a larger duck-drop system that will be fitted on [[Ilyushin Il-76]] aircraft. Each system of two boats can accommodate 32 commandos, their weapons and fuel for the boats.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.asianage.com/india/navy-s-marcos-get-duck-drops-673|title=Navy's Marcos get 'duck drops'|work=asianage.com|access-date=25 July 2016}}</ref> Once para-dropped from the aircraft, it allows for the commandos to assemble inflatable motorised boats within ten minutes and quickly reach ships in distress. Such rescue missions can be mounted by the commandos deployed within an hour.<ref>{{cite news|title=Indian marine commandos need 60 minutes to target|url=http://deccanchronicle.com/130206/news-current-affairs/article/indian-marine-comm%C2%ADandos-need-60-minutes-target|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130206180852/http://deccanchronicle.com/130206/news-current-affairs/article/indian-marine-comm%C2%ADandos-need-60-minutes-target|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 February 2013|access-date=10 February 2013|newspaper=Deccan Chronicle|date=6 February 2013}}</ref>

The MARCOS are also preparing for [[urban warfare]] and have begun practicing on 3D virtual models of offshore installations to ensure a swift response during a terrorist attack. The marine commandos undergo regular training sessions in this computer-generated programme to be well-prepared for a strike similar to the 26/11 attack.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-2232767161.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924203525/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-2232767161.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 September 2015|title=Marcos begin counter-terror training on east coast|date=7 January 2011|access-date=25 July 2016}}</ref>

The average MARCOS training drop-out rate is more than 80%. The force has its own training facility as an adjunct to the operational company at INS Abhimanyu, Mumbai,<ref name="sp.com" /> later as the Naval Special Warfare Tactical Training Centre. For combat diving training, the commandos are sent to the Naval Diving School in Kochi. There are plans to move the Naval Special Warfare Tactical Training Centre to the erstwhile Naval Academy facility in Kerala, where it will focus on jungle warfare and counter-insurgency operations. The new facility will be modelled on the lines of CIJWS of the Indian Army in Mizoram.<ref name="no" /><ref name="red" />

==Future plans==

=== Integrated Combat System ===
To strengthen the capabilities of MARCOS to carry out special operations, the Indian Navy will procure an advanced Integrated Combat System (ICS) that will ensure an effective command, control and information-sharing structure to enhance the MARCOS' capabilities while engaging targets.<ref name="jagran">{{cite news|title=Navy to procure integrated combat system for Marine Commandos|url=http://post.jagran.com/Navy-to-procure-integrated-combat-system-for-Marine-Commandos-1320833728|access-date=6 July 2012|newspaper=Jagran Post|date=9 November 2011}}</ref>

The ICS will provide enhanced capabilities such as tactical awareness and the ability to fight in hostile environments, and can enable Group Commanders to remotely monitor and control operations. It will help integrate an individual sailor's capability of surveillance, ballistic protection, communication and firepower through an integrated network at individual and group level. Initiating the procurement process through a [[Request for Information]] (RFI), Navy's Directorate of Special Operations and Diving has sought details from global vendors about the ICS.<ref name="jagran" />

The individual ICS equipment required by the Navy includes lightweight helmets, head-mounted displays, tactical and soft [[ballistic vest]]s along with communication equipment. The group-level gear requirements include command and control and surveillance systems, and high-speed communication equipment. The devices would have a sight for the sniper, a laser rangefinder and a long-range thermal imager and near-IR laser pointer for a combat group to undertake surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting. The ICS would be compatible with assault rifles and close-quarter combat weapons.<ref name="jagran" /> The Navy has recently started acquiring the Israeli [[IMI Tavor TAR-21]] for the MARCOS.<ref name="jagran" />

=== Midget submarines ===
{{See also|Indian Navy Swimmer Delivery Vehicle}}
In 2013, [[Visakhapatnam]]-based [[Hindustan Shipyard]] won the contract for building four 500-tonne [[midget submarine|mini-submarines]], which were designed by [[Larsen & Toubro]]. The mini-submarines, to be delivered in the latter half of the 2010s, will be used exclusively by the Indian Navy's MARCOS.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.proud2bindian.in/indian-navy/1907-indian-navy-procure-five-midget-submarines.html#.UVrv4qL0wrw|title=Account Suspended|work=proud2bindian.in|access-date=29 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130127130809/http://www.proud2bindian.in/indian-navy/1907-indian-navy-procure-five-midget-submarines.html#.UVrv4qL0wrw|archive-date=27 January 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/1305767/report-indian-navy-to-procure-five-midget-submarines|title=Indian Navy to procure five midget submarines – Latest News & Updates at Daily News & Analysis|date=1 November 2009|work=dnaindia.com|access-date=25 July 2016}}</ref> As of 2023, the procurement of the midget submarines was still being planned by the Indian Navy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dutta |first=Amrita Nayak |date=10 December 2023 |title=Navy plans to get undersea chariots, made in India, for special operations |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/navy-plans-to-get-undersea-chariots-made-in-india-for-special-operations-9061670/ |access-date=12 September 2024 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>

==Equipment==

===Firearms===
{{Div col|colwidth=30em}}
'''Pistols'''
* [[Pistol Auto 9mm 1A]] 9mm semi-automatic pistol
* [[Beretta 92]]FS<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sinlung.com/2010/09/mizoram-police-to-get-latest-weapons.html |title=Mizoram Police to Get Latest Weapons |publisher=Sinlung |date=14 September 2010 |access-date=12 August 2016}}</ref> 9mm semi-automatic pistol
* [[Glock]] 9mm semi-automatic pistol
* [[IWI Masada]] 9mm semi-automatic pistol
* [[IWI Jericho 941]] 9mm semi-automatic pistol
'''Sub-machine guns'''
* [[Heckler & Koch MP5]] 9mm sub-machine gun<ref>{{cite web |title=How AK-203, superior to INSAS, will end forces' hunt for a reliable rifle|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/how-ak-203-superior-to-insas-will-end-forces-hunt-for-a-reliable-rifle/articleshow/68248283.cms|website=The Times of India|access-date=21 April 2020|date=4 March 2019|quote=Special forces like Para commandos, Marine Commandos (popularly known as Marcos), Garud Commando Force (IAF special force) and even National Security Guard (anti-terror force) also rely on German or Israel automatic rifles like Heckler and Koch MP5 sub-machine guns}}</ref>
* [[Uzi]] 9mm sub-machine gun
* [[Brügger & Thomet MP9|MP-9]] 9mm sub-machine gun
'''Assault rifles'''
* [[AK-103]] 7.62×39mm assault 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>
* [[IWI Tavor TAR-21|IWI Tavor]] 5.56mm assault rifle series<ref name="NE">{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/north/story/navy-marine-commandos-marcos-get-a-makeover-110821-2012-07-24|title=Navy's elite commandos Marcos get leaner and meaner look|date=24 July 2012|website=India Today|language=en|access-date=1 October 2019}}</ref>
* [[IWI Tavor X95]] 5.56mm carbine
* [[M4 carbine]] 5.56mm carbine
* [[APS amphibious rifle]] 5.66×120mm underwater assault rifle
'''Sniper rifles'''
* [[SAKO]] [[Tikka T3|Tikka T3 TAC]] 7.62mm bolt-action sniper rifle (177 units)<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bedi |first1=Rahul |title=Snipers Only Shoot to Kill |url=https://thewire.in/security/indian-army-snipers-loc-feature |website=The Wire |access-date=14 October 2020}}</ref><ref name="indianmarines">{{cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/article/62627/indian-navy-special-forces-to-get-177-sniper-rifles|title=Indian Navy special forces to get 177 sniper rifles|author=Rahul Bedi|date=29 July 2016|website=janes.com|publisher=[[IHS Markit]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170518115121/https://www.janes.com/article/62627/indian-navy-special-forces-to-get-177-sniper-rifles|archive-date=18 May 2017|access-date=2 December 2019}}</ref>
* [[IMI Galil#Galil Sniper|IMI Galil 7.62 Sniper/Galatz]] 7.62mm semi-automatic sniper rifle<ref name="NE" />
* [[OSV-96]] anti-materiel rifle<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2010/feb/16/india-turns-to-russia-for-small-weapons-132105.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200214024814/https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2010/feb/16/india-turns-to-russia-for-small-weapons-132105.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 February 2020|title=India turns to Russia for small weapons|date=16 February 2010|website=[[The New Indian Express]]|access-date=14 February 2020}}</ref>
* [[Heckler & Koch PSG1]] 7.62mm semi-automatic rifle
* [[SVDS]] 7.62x54mmR semi-sutomatic DMR
* [[VSK-94]] 9×39mm suppressed sniper rifle
* [[VSS Vintorez]] 9×39mm suppressed sniper rifle<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/elite-special-forces-of-army-iaf-navy-get-major-weapons-upgrade/articleshow/65046489.cms|title=Elite special forces of Army, IAF, Navy get major weapons upgrade {{!}} India News – Times of India|last=P|first=Rajat|date=19 July 2019|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=18 July 2019}}</ref>
'''Light machine guns'''
* [[IWI Negev|IWI Negev NG-7]] 7.62×51&nbsp;mm light machine gun<ref>{{Cite news|last=Gurung|first=Shaurya Karanbir|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-opens-small-arms-manufacturing-unit-in-mp-in-a-joint-venture-with-israel/articleshow/58516436.cms|title=India opens small arms manufacturing unit in MP in a joint venture with Israel|date=14 July 2018|work=The Economic Times|access-date=14 April 2020|quote=All the guns to be produced in the factory are already in service with the army's Special Forces, Navy's MARCOS and IAF's Garud Commandos}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/article/95028/india-signs-usd117-8-million-deal-with-iwi-for-lmgs|title=India signs USD117.8 million deal with IWI for LMGs {{!}} Jane's 360|last=Bedi|first=Rahul|date=22 March 2020|website=[[Jane's Defence Weekly]]|access-date=14 April 2020}}</ref>
* [[IMI Negev|IMI Negev SF]] 5.56×45mm light machine gun
* [[MAG 58|MG 2A1]] 7.62×51&nbsp;mm general purpose machine gun
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===Support weapons===
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* [[GP-25]] 40mm under-barrel grenade launcher
* [[Arsenal AD#Grenade launchers|Arsenal UBGL]] 40×46mm under-barrel grenade launcher
* [[AGS-17]] 30×29mm automatic grenade launcher
* [[Carl Gustav recoilless rifle|RCL Mk III]] 84mm recoilless rifle
* [[B-300|Shipon]] anti-tank weapon
* [[9K38 Igla]] MANPADS
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===Transport===
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* [[HAL Dhruv]] utility helicopter<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-navy-to-display-assault-search-and-rescue-demonstration-during-defexpo2020/articleshow/73951972.cms|title=India Navy to display assault, search and rescue demonstration during DefExpo2020|date=5 February 2020|work=The Economic Times|access-date=9 February 2020}}</ref>
* [[Westland Sea King|Westland WS-61 Sea King]] transport helicopter<ref name="sp.com" />
* [[Aérospatiale Alouette III|Chetak helicopters]]
* [[Cosmos CE2F series|Cosmos CE-2F X100]] two-man [[Diver propulsion vehicle|swimmer delivery vehicle]]
* [[All-terrain vehicles]] (ATVs)
* [[Indian Navy Swimmer Delivery Vehicle]] (future)
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==See also==
* [[Special Forces of India]]
* [[United States Navy SEALs]]
* [[List of military special forces units]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category|MARCOS}}

{{Naval special operations forces}}
{{Underwater diving|prodiv}}

[[Category:1987 establishments in India]]
[[Category:Military counterterrorist organizations]]
[[Category:Special forces of India]]
[[Category:Indian Navy]]
[[Category:Units of the Indian Peace Keeping Force]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1987]]
[[Category:Naval special forces units and formations|India]]