Nicknames And Roles Of All PARA Special Forces Battalions
During the war of 1965, a commando unit, named Meghdoot Force was formed comprising of officers and soldiers from infantry units under Maj Megh Singh of the Brigade of the Guards. The unit was largely successful incross-border operations during the war which forced the Indian Army and the government to produce specialized forces to conduct operations that are a bit complex for normal forces. Meghdoot Force was also transformed into parachute force because para trooping is one of the most important commando tactics.
Therefore in July 1966 under the 9th Battalion of the Parachute Regiment, the creation of 9 Para SF took place which was the first special ops unit of the Indian Armed Forces. On 1 July 1967, 10 Para SF was raised as a sister unit of 9 Para SF. Since also other regiments creation also took place and Para SF regiments proved their mettle in the 1971 War, Operation Blue Star, Operation Cactus, Operation Pawan, Kargil War, and numerous further including recent surgical strikes where terror camps in PoK were demolished.
Presently, there are varied regiments of Para SF each specializing in different forms of warfare. Today we will be reading about some of the most prestigious amongst them.
1 Para SF :
Raised in 1761 and converted to Para SF in 1978, are the oldest unit of the Parachute Regiment. Specialize in tactical requirements and urban warfare. They’re known by the name of “ Red Devils”. Maj Mohit Sharma AC SM served in the elite 1 Para SF.
2 Para SF :
Originally raised as 1st battalion of Kumaon Regiment and were converted to SF in 2002. Specialize in Desert Warfare. Famous by name of “ Russel’s Viper”.
3 Para SF
Originally raised as 1st battalion of Kumaon Regiment and were converted to SF in 2002. Specialize in Desert Warfare. Famous by name of “Russel’s Viper”.
4 Para SF
primarily raised as Para Airborne Unit in 1961 and were converted to SF in 2003. Specialize in Mountain Warfare, Counterinsurgency andCounter-Terrorism ops. The unit played a crucial part in Surgical Strikes inside PoK in 2016. Famous by name of “ Daggers”.
9 Para SF
Raised as 9th Parachute Commando Battalion and later named 9 Para they’re the oldest special forces unit of Indian Armed Forces. Specialize in Mountain Warfare, Counter Insurgency and Counter Terrorism ops. 9 Para also was instrumental in Surgical Strikes of 2016. famed by name of “ The Mountain Rats”.
10 Para SF
Raised as a sister unit of 9 Para this unit was raised in 1967. Specialize in Desert Warfare, Counter Insurgency and Counter Terrorism ops. 9 Para also was instrumental in Surgical Strikes of 2016. famed by name of “ Desert Scorpions”.
11 Para SF
Raised in 2011 as a Special Forces Unit, the unit specializes in Jungle Warfare, Counter Insurgency and Counter Terrorism ops. famed by name of “ Vipers”.
12 Para SF
primarily raised as 23rd Battalion this unit was converted into SF in 2011. Specialize in Jungle Warfare, Mountain Warfare, Counter Insurgency and Counter Terrorism ops. famed by name of “ Dirty Dozens”.
21 Para SF
primarily 21st Battalion of Maratha Light Infantry the unit was converted to SF in 1996. Specialize in Jungle Warfare, Mountain Warfare, Counter Insurgency and Counter Terrorism ops. famed by name of “ Waghnaks”.
Parachute Regiment has two territorial army battalions:
- 106 Para
- 116 Para
Following units of SF are trained in Airborne Assault::
- 5 Para
- 6 Para
- 7 Para
- 23 Para
- 29 Para