Most Dangerous Special Forces in the World (2024 Ranked)

Special forces units are elite military groups trained to handle the most dangerous and challenging missions with precision and expertise. These highly trained soldiers go through tough training and selection processes to become members of these elite units. From counter-terrorism operations to covert exploring missions, they operate in the shadows, ready to respond to any threat with speed and precision.

In this article, we will know some of the most dangerous special forces units in the world. These units are renowned for their unmatched abilities, advanced weaponry, and strong commitment to their missions. From the United States Navy SEALs to the British Special Air Service (SAS), we will delve into the capabilities and successes of these elite warriors.

Top 10 Dangerous Special Forces in the World

Let’s see the most dangerous special forces units in the world and learn about their Impressive training, daring operations, and the impact they have on global security.

Force	Country
Special Naval Warfare Force	Spain
EKO Cobra	Austria
Joint Task Force 2 (JTF 2)	Canada
Polish GROM	Poland
Snow Leopard Commando Unit	China
Sayeret Matkal	Israel
Gruppo di Intervento Speciale (GIS)	Italy
Alpha Group	Russia
Navy SEALs	United States

10. Special Naval Warfare Force, Spain

Spain’s Special Naval Warfare Force, created in 2009, brings together different groups from the Spanish Navy. It consists of the Special Explosive Diffusers Unit, the Special Combat Divers Unit, and the Special Operations Unit. They perform tasks like rescuing people during battles, boarding ships, diving for combat purposes, entering areas by air or water, and fighting terrorism at sea.

• Active Since: The FGNE started on June 10, 2009.
• Country: It’s from Spain.
• Branch: It’s part of the Spanish Navy.
• Type: They’re a special forces group.
• Role: They’re experts in missions on the sea, on land, and along the coast.
• Part of: They’re part of the Spanish Marine Infantry.
• Headquarters: Their main office is at La Algameca Naval Station in Cartagena, Murcia, Spain.
• Nicknames: People call them “Frogmen” or “Green Berets.”
• Motto: Their saying is “Serenity and audacity.”
• Command Structure: The FGNE is led by a colonel or a ship-of-the-line captain and is under the General Commander of the Marines.
• Deployments: The FGNE has been on many missions around the world, like Operation Atalanta in Somalia, UNIFIL in Lebanon, and Hispaniola in Haiti. They also helped when the Spanish fishing boat Alakrana was hijacked in 2009.

9. EKO Cobra, Austria

The EKO Cobra, founded in 1978, works for the Austrian Federal Ministry of the Interior. It became famous in 1996 for being the only team to rescue hostages from a hijacked airplane while it was still in the air. EKO Cobra specializes in special missions and secret operations, usually working in small groups.

• Active Since: They’ve been around since 1978.
• Country: They’re from Austria.
• Agency: They’re directly controlled by the Austrian Federal Ministry of the Interior.
• Type: They’re a police tactical unit.
• Role: They focus on stopping terrorism and enforcing the law.
• Headquarters: Their main office is in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, and they have smaller offices in Graz, Linz, Salzburg, and Innsbruck.
• Size: There are about 450 members.
• Notable Operations: They’re known for stopping a hijacking while the plane was still flying in 1996 and for finding a dangerous criminal named Alois Huber in 2013.

8. Joint Task Force 2 – Canada

Canada’s Joint Task Force 2 (JTF 2) was formed in 1993 and focuses on fighting terrorism both in Canada and abroad. JTF 2 is famous for being very secretive and is really good at rescuing hostages and gathering important information. After the 9/11 attacks, it did secret operations in Afghanistan.

• Establishment: JTF 2 started on April 1, 1993.
• Role: They do special missions and fight terrorism.
• Size: We don’t know exactly how many people are in JTF 2, but it’s a small group of experts.
• Base: Their main office is at Dwyer Hill in Ottawa, Ontario.
• Motto: Their saying is “Deeds, not words.”
• Engagements: JTF 2 has been part of different missions around the world, like the Afghanistan war and the 2004 coup in Haiti.
• Personnel: The average age of JTF 2 members is about 37, and a Lieutenant-Colonel leads the unit.

7. Polish GROM, Poland

GROM, established in 1990, stands for Group for Operational Maneuvering Response. It was started by former Polish paratroopers who were in exile. They carried out operations all around the world. GROM became known to the public in 1994 during Operation Restore Democracy in Haiti.

• Full Name: The full name is Jednostka Wojskowa GROM, which means Operational Maneuver Response Group.
• Established: GROM was created on July 13, 1990.
• Type: It’s a special forces unit in the Polish Armed Forces.
• Size: It’s believed to have about 250 fighters plus support staff.
• Headquarters: GROM is based in Warsaw, with some facilities in Gdańsk, Poland.
• Nickname: They’re called “The unseen & silent” and “The Surgeons” because of their medical skills and precise operations.
• Motto: Their saying is “Strength and Honor! For you, Fatherland!”
• Beret Color: Their berets are grey.
• Engagements: GROM has been part of many missions around the world, like fighting in the War on Terror and in Iraq and Afghanistan.
• Training: GROM members need to know at least two languages and have basic medical skills. They got their first training from the US Army Delta Force and the British Army Special Air Service.

6. Snow Leopard Commando Unit, China

China’s Snow Leopard Commando Unit was established for the 2008 Summer Olympics. They train to handle counter-terrorism, riot control, anti-hijacking, and bomb disposal situations. They work closely with Russian forces, aiming for peace, stability, and precise operations.

• Active Since: The unit started in December 2002, but people found out about it on August 29, 2006.
• Country: It’s in China.
• Agency: It’s part of the People’s Armed Police.
• Type: It’s a special police team.
• Role: They handle things like stopping terrorism and doing tough police jobs.
• Part of: It’s part of the Beijing General Corps.
• Abbreviation: People call it SLCU.
• Structure: There are 400 officers in the unit.
• Notable Operations: They did security for the 2008 Summer Olympics, fought terrorists in Xinjiang province, and protected diplomats in Afghanistan and Iraq.

5. Sayeret Matkal – Israel

Israel’s Sayeret Matkal was created after the Qibya massacre. They’re really good at doing missions like finding information, rescuing hostages, and stopping terrorism. At first, they mainly focused on rescuing people in Israel, but later, in 1974, they changed to focus more on other types of missions when Yammam was made.

• Active Since: The unit has been around since 1957.
• Country: It’s from Israel.
• Branch: It’s part of the Military Intelligence Directorate.
• Type: It’s a special team for finding information.
• Size: We don’t know how many people are in the unit.
• Headquarters: Their main office is in Southern Israel.
• Motto: Their saying is “Who Dares Wins.”
• Beret Color: Their berets are maroon.
• Engagements: They’ve been part of many fights, like the War of Attrition and the Yom Kippur War.
• Notable Operations: One important mission was Operation Thunderbolt, where they saved more than 100 hostages in Uganda.

4. Gruppo di intervento speciale (GIS), Italy

Italy’s GIS, established in 1978, transformed into a special forces unit in 2004. As part of the Carabinieri, it manages police tactics, special operations, and is part of the International Command for Special Forces Operations.

• Active Since: The unit started on February 6, 1978.
• Country: It’s from Italy.
• Branch: It’s part of the Carabinieri, who do both military and regular police work.
• Type: It was first a police team, but in 2004, it became a special forces unit.
• Size: There are at least 100 people in the unit.
• Headquarters: Their main office is in Livorno, Italy.
• Nickname: People call them “Leatherheads.”
• Motto: They say “Faithful through the centuries” and “As silent as the night, as fast as the lightning.”
• Engagements: They do things like stopping terrorism, protecting important people, and going on missions in places like the Balkans, Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Horn of Africa.

3. Alpha Group – Russia

Established by the Soviet KGB in 1974, Alpha Group works under the Federal Security Service (FSB). It’s famous for being aggressive and specializes in counter-terrorism and protecting Russia’s leaders.

• Founded: The unit started on July 28, 1974.
• Country: It’s from Russia.
• Allegiance: It’s part of the Federal Security Service (FSB).
• Branch: It’s a special forces team called Spetsnaz.
• Size: We don’t know exactly how many people are in the unit, but in 2004, it was believed to be around 250-300 operatives.
• Headquarters: Their main office is in Moscow, but they also have units in other cities like Khabarovsk, Krasnodar, Yekaterinburg, and Grozny.
• Motto: Their saying is “Victory and Return.”
• Engagements: They’ve been part of many big missions, like Operation Storm-333, the Moscow theatre hostage crisis, and the Beslan school hostage crisis.

2. Navy SEALs – The United States

The Navy SEALs were established in 1962 and are a part of the United States Special Operations Command. They first formed during World War II but became well-known during the Vietnam War. They’re skilled in operations on the sea, in the air, and on land, earning a strong reputation for their abilities.

• Active Since: The unit started on January 1, 1962.
• Country: It’s from the United States.
• Branch: It’s part of the United States Navy.
• Type: They’re a special team for doing important operations.
• Roles: They do things like fighting, stopping terrorism, and gathering secret information.
• Part of: They’re part of the U.S. Naval Special Warfare Command and the Joint Special Operations Command.
• Headquarters: Their main offices are at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado and Joint Expeditionary Base–Little Creek.
• Nickname: People call them “Frogmen”, “The Teams”, “Team Guys”, or “The Men with Green Faces”.
• Motto: Their saying is “The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday.”
• Engagements: They’ve been part of many big fights, like the Vietnam War and Operation Neptune Spear.

1. MARCOS – India

MARCOS (Marine Commandos), India’s top elite force, was established in 1987 and is among the most lethal special forces globally. They undergo specialized training in techniques like HALO and HAHO, taking inspiration from the US Navy SEALs and British SAS. Additionally, they’re armed with the best weapons available.

• Active Since: The unit has been around since February 1987.
• Country: It’s from India.
• Branch: It’s part of the Indian Navy.
• Type: They’re a special team for doing important operations.
• Size: We don’t know how many people are in the unit.
• Headquarters: Their main office is at INS Karna in Vishakapatnam, India.
• Nicknames: People call them “The Crocodiles” or “The Bearded Army.”
• Motto: Their saying is “The Few, The Fearless.”
• Anniversaries: They celebrate on February 14th.
• Engagements: They’ve been part of many big missions, like Operation Cactus, Operation Leech, and the Kargil War. They also do things like fighting terrorism and piracy.
• Training: Members of MARCOS get hard training in things like diving, fighting, and stopping hijackings.

Conclusion

In summary, the world’s most dangerous special forces are the best of the best in military skills and expertise. Their top-notch training, strong dedication, and brave attitude make them tough fighters on the battlefield. From the US Navy SEALs to Russia’s Spetsnaz, each team has shown they can handle tough situations and complete missions with great accuracy.

Looking back on their important missions and impressive achievements, it’s clear that these elite forces play a vital role in keeping countries safe and defending global interests. As they keep improving and facing new challenges, the legacy of these special forces will continue to stand strong, representing bravery, power, and a strong commitment to their duty.

Most Dangerous Special Forces in the World (2024 Ranked) – FAQs

Which special force is considered the most dangerous in the world?

Determining the “most dangerous” special force is subjective, as each unit specializes in unique capabilities. However, some renowned units, such as the Russian Alpha Group and the US Navy SEALs, are often considered among the most elite.

What makes a special force unit dangerous?

Special forces are considered dangerous due to their rigorous training, advanced weaponry, and expertise in unconventional warfare. They are trained for counter-terrorism, reconnaissance, and special operations, making them highly capable in challenging situations.

How do special forces like MARCOS from India compare to others globally?

MARCOS (Marine Commandos) is considered one of the world’s most lethal special forces. Trained extensively in various combat scenarios, they draw from the expertise of units like the US Navy SEALs and the British SAS.

Who are the deadliest special force in world?

1. U.S. Navy SEALs: Renowned for toughness and diverse skills.
2. British SAS: Known for adaptability and historical success.

Who is the No 1 commando in India?

1. Para (Special Forces): Mountain warfare masters.
2. MARCOS: Ocean combat and counter-terrorism specialists.
3. Garud Commando Force: Air operations and hostage rescue experts