| Garud Commando Force | |
|---|---|
 Garud Winged Badge | |
| Founded | 6 February 2004 - present (20 years, 9 months) |
| Country |  India |
| Branch |  Indian Air Force |
| Type | Special Forces |
| Size | 1,080-1,500 (est.) (Classified)[1][2] |
| Garrison/HQ | GRTC (Classified) |
| Patron | Garuda |
| Motto(s) | ॥प्रहार से सुरक्षा॥ (Translation: Defence by Offence) |
| Engagements | MONUC (Congo) Security during Aero India 2005-2013 Kashmir conflict 2016 Pathankot attack Insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir |
| Decorations | 1 Ashok Chakra, 8 Shaurya Chakras |
| Insignia | |
| Special Forces shoulder tab |  |
| Sleeve patch |  |
The Garud Commando Force is the special forces unit of the Indian Air Force. It was formed on 6 February 2004 and with a plan to have around 2,000-personnel strength.[3][2][4] The unit derives its name from Garuda, a Hindu deity.
Garud forces are tasked with protecting critical Air Force bases and installations, search and rescue, and disaster relief during calamities.[5] In 2004, Garuds were deployed in the Congo[6] as part of the UN peace keeping operations.
- ^ "Agencies take shape for special operations, space, cyber war". The Times of India. 16 May 2019. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
- ^ a b "IAF to induct 700 more Garud commandos". India.com. 2 February 2016. Retrieved 3 February 2016.
- ^ "Garud commandoes take first casualties after operating for 12 yrs in J&K". 12 October 2017. Retrieved 14 October 2018.
- ^ "IAF plans to raise 10 more Garud squadrons - The Economic Times". The Economic Times. Retrieved 3 February 2016.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "IAF's Garuda Force to be sent to Congo". www.rediff.com. Retrieved 25 April 2018.