Para SF , also known as Para Commandos or Para (SF) Commandos, are the elite special forces battalions of the Parachute Regiment in the Indian Army. These units are renowned for their specialized roles, including counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, unconventional warfare, special reconnaissance, counter-insurgency, and direct action.
The origins of these formidable units date back to World War II with the formation of the 50th Parachute Brigade in October 1941 under the British Indian Army. The 9 Para SF, the oldest among the fifteen Para (SF) units of the Indian Army, was established in 1966 as the 9th Parachute Commando Battalion.
Background of Para SF
The Para SF (Special Forces), or Para Commandos, of the Indian Army are some of the oldest and most distinguished airborne units in the world. Their legacy traces back to the formation of the 50th Indian Parachute Brigade on 27 October 1941 during World War II. This brigade initially comprised the British 151st Parachute Battalion, the British Indian Army 152nd Indian Parachute Battalion, and the 153rd Gurkha Parachute Battalion. In 1952, these units and several others were reorganized to form the Parachute Regiment.
In 1944, the 50th Brigade was assigned to the newly created 44th Airborne Division. Post-independence, India retained only the 50th Parachute Brigade, consisting of three battalions: 1 PARA (Punjab), 2 PARA (Maratha), and 3 PARA (Kumaon).
These battalions distinguished themselves in the Jammu and Kashmir operations of 1947-48, earning numerous Battle Honours.
On 15 April 1952, these battalions were consolidated into the Parachute Regiment. Over time, the regiment expanded to include ten battalions, including specialized Parachute (Special Forces) units.
In 1986, 8 PARA became part of the Mechanized Infantry Regiment, while 21 Maratha LI was converted to a Para (Special Forces) unit.
The Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 saw the formation of an ad hoc commando unit named Meghdoot Force, organized by Major Megh Singh. This unit’s success led to the establishment of a formal commando unit, which became the 9th Parachute Commando Battalion on 1 July 1966. This unit later split to form the 10th Battalion, with each unit specializing in different terrains.
In 1978, 1 PARA was converted into the first special forces unit of the Indian Army. The Parachute Regiment Training Centre and associated units relocated to Bangalore on 15 January 1992. In 1995, the 21st Battalion (Special Forces) was inducted, and subsequently, other battalions such as 2 PARA, 3 PARA, and 4 PARA were also converted to special forces roles.
Notable Operations:
- 1971 Indo-Pakistan War: Para SF units executed deep raids and airborne assaults, such as the capture of Poongli Bridge and the Battle of Chamb.
- Operation Mandhol: 9 Para SF destroyed Pakistani artillery in a daring raid, significantly impacting Pakistani military strategy.
- Chachro Raid: 10 Para SF conducted successful deep penetration raids, capturing key positions with zero Indian casualties.
Major Operations of Para SF
In 1984, the Para (Special Forces) were involved in Operation Blue Star, a mission to remove Sikh militants from the Golden Temple in Punjab. The militants were well-prepared and led by Gen. Shabeg Singh, a former Para officer.
In the late 1980s, the Para (Special Forces) were in Sri Lanka for Operation Pawan. The first mission at Jaffna University faced difficulties due to poor planning and not knowing where the rebels were.
Even though six soldiers died, the Para (SF) fought bravely for 24 hours after being tricked by a local. Later, they successfully captured the Jaffna peninsula, forcing the rebels into hiding.
Despite setbacks, the 10 Para SF successfully attacked Moolai, killing over 200 rebels and seizing their weapons. To gain more experience, 1 Para (SF) returned home, and 9 Para SF took over.
They extended their stay for another mission, finding weapons in the swamps. Additionally, 9 Para (SF) provided security for the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka.
In 1988, Operation Cactus saw 6 Para leading a mission to rescue Maldives from PLOTE mercenaries. They flew in on 4 November, rescuing the president, taking over the airfield, and saving besieged security personnel without any loss of life.
During the 1999 Kargil War, nine Para battalions were deployed, with 5 Para’s success earning them accolades.
In 2000, Operation Khukri saw 2 PARA (SF) rescuing 223 soldiers from RUF rebels in Sierra Leone, leading to Freetown’s liberation.
Operation Summer Storm in 2009 saw 21 Para (SF) eliminate militants in Manipur, with no casualties among the SF or civilians.
In 2013, during the Samba attack, 1 Para (SF) neutralized terrorists without civilian casualties, displaying extreme caution.
The 2015 counter-insurgency operation in Myanmar, conducted by 21 Para (SF) and the IAF, targeted militant camps, inflicting heavy casualties.
The 2016 surgical strikes across the LoC by 4 and 9 Para (SF) targeted militant launch pads, with Indian forces returning safely after destroying terrorist infrastructure.
Making of a Para SF Commando
The selection process for the Indian Special Forces, including the Para (SF), is rigorous and demanding. Volunteers undergo a probationary period of three months for Para (SF) battalions, where they are stripped of their ranks and undergo intense physical and skills training. This includes exercises, weapons training, demolition, navigation, communication, and survival skills. Probationers also undergo parachute training, combat diving, and learn specialized infiltration and exfiltration techniques.
During the probation period, candidates must complete various challenging tasks, such as speed marches, endurance runs, stress tests, and combat simulations. They are tested for mental and physical endurance under extreme conditions, including sleep deprivation and lack of food and water.
Successful candidates receive their maroon berets at the end of the probation period and undergo further specialized training in areas like mountain warfare, desert warfare, and counterinsurgency.
They also participate in joint exercises with special forces from other countries, such as the United States, Russia, and the United Kingdom, to improve military cooperation and tactical skills.
The Para (SF) have a record of excellence in international competitions like Airborne Africa and Cambrian Patrol, where they have won gold medals multiple times. They also provide training to special forces from other countries, including Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, showcasing their expertise and influence on foreign units.