Garud Commando Force

Garud Commando Force
Garud Winged Badge
Founded6 February 2004 (2004-02-06) - present
Country India
Branch Indian Air Force
TypeSpecial Forces
SizeClassified
Garrison/HQGRTC
Classified, India
PatronGaruda
Motto(s)॥प्रहार से सुरक्षा॥ (Translation: Defence by Offence)
EngagementsMONUC (Congo)
Security during Aero India 2005/2007/2011/2013
Kashmir conflict
2016 Pathankot attack
Insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir
Decorations1 Ashok Chakra, 8 Shaurya Chakra
Insignia
Special Forces shoulder tab
Sleeve patch

The Garud Commando Force is the special forces unit of the Indian Air Force. It was formed in February 2004 and has a current strength of over 1500 personnel.[1][2][3] The unit derives its name from Garuda, a Hindu deity.

Garud forces are tasked with the protection of critical Air Force bases and installations, search and rescue, and disaster relief during calamities.[4] In 2004, Garuds were deployed in Congo[5] as part of the UN peace keeping operations.

  1. ^ "Garud commandoes take first casualties after operating for 12 yrs in J&K". 12 October 2017. Retrieved 14 October 2018.
  2. ^ "IAF to induct 700 more Garud commandos". India.com. 2 February 2016. Retrieved 3 February 2016.
  3. ^ "IAF plans to raise 10 more Garud squadrons - The Economic Times". The Economic Times. Retrieved 3 February 2016.
  4. ^ "Constitution of Commando Force" (Press release). Press Information Bureau, Government of India. 18 December 2003. Retrieved 25 July 2008. Archived from the original in Wayback Machine.
  5. ^ "IAF's Garuda Force to be sent to Congo". www.rediff.com. Retrieved 25 April 2018.

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