With their unpredictable flexibility, operating in harsh conditions, and accomplishing nearly impossible missions, special forces are considered the elite of the military, attracting attention and admiration from all around. Below is the ranking of the top five special forces in the world according to Thefactsofwar.
GIGN Special Forces, France
The intervention forces of GIGN are considered the most important pillar of the organization, with the primary goal of carrying out combat and special assault missions.
The unit consists of about 100 professional personnel. In large-scale operations, when additional manpower is needed, members from other units can also be deployed to support the intervention forces as directed by the commander.
The personnel of the intervention team continuously train and enhance their specialized skills, enabling them to effectively handle independent missions or coordinate efficiently with other units in emergency situations. This force is often deployed for counter-terrorism missions, such as rescuing hostages on airplanes, ships, trains, or infiltrating locations where hostages are held. Additionally, they are involved in handling threats at sensitive facilities such as nuclear power plants or prisons.
GIGN commandos are capable of operating effectively in any environment, from urban areas to mountainous regions, deserts, or other harsh terrains. They are also frequently deployed to deal with dangerous armed criminals. As a result, each member must not only have exceptional individual skills but also work seamlessly with their teammates. Therefore, GIGN places particular emphasis on training in martial arts, precision shooting, parachuting, scuba diving, and skills for infiltrating complex areas.
In addition, the surveillance unit of GIGN is responsible for gathering and analyzing intelligence, supporting the planning of counter-terrorism or organized crime operations. This unit includes both men and women, trained in specialized skills such as rock climbing, parachuting, scuba diving, disguises, and martial arts. The members of this team also continuously update and apply the latest technologies to ensure effectiveness in their specialized missions.
With the combination of skills, technology, and excellent tactics, GIGN remains a symbol of professionalism and elite status within global special forces.
Navy SEALs Special Forces, United States
The U.S. Navy SEALs, known as SEAL Team 6 or now operating under the name DEVGRU SEAL, has become a symbol of elite prowess in modern warfare. This unit is globally renowned for its mission to eliminate Osama bin Laden, but few know that it was developed by the U.S. government as a covert strike tool with a global operational range and limited external oversight.
The modern SEAL DEVGRU unit possesses almost unlimited capabilities, with its top priority being to carry out pioneering strikes, highly classified counter-terrorism operations, preventing terrorist organizations from acquiring weapons of mass destruction, rescuing hostages in conflict zones, and handling crisis situations involving high-value targets and important figures.
In covert missions in harsh terrains like the desolate regions of Somalia, SEAL DEVGRU has carried out deadly operations with absolute precision. In Afghanistan, the unit did not hesitate to engage in close combat, often returning to base with the blood of the enemy on their uniforms. During nighttime raids, they employ a wide range of weapons, from modern carbines to classic battle axes.
Around the world, SEAL DEVGRU also operates spy stations disguised as commercial ships, uses front companies to conceal secret activities, and conducts intelligence missions at embassies, tracking individuals whom the U.S. seeks to eliminate or capture.
These examples of operations are just a small part of the covert history of SEAL Team 6 / DEVGRU, one of the most mysterious and least explored special forces units in the U.S. military. Initially formed as a small unit for rare missions, SEAL Team 6 evolved over more than a decade of combat into a global tool for eliminating threats to the U.S., becoming a symbol of the strength and precision of modern special forces.
Shayetet 13 – The Covert Special Forces of the Israeli Navy
Shayetet 13 is the covert special forces unit of the Israeli Navy, specializing in special operations. Although part of the navy, Shayetet 13 is a versatile force capable of carrying out missions on land and deploying from the air. The primary mission of this unit is reconnaissance, sabotage, and conducting special operations behind enemy lines.
The sea has always been the ideal route for infiltrating enemy territory secretly and is also the most effective path for retreat. Shayetet 13, like the MATKAL unit, works closely with Israel’s military intelligence and foreign intelligence agencies. Most of the operations carried out by this unit are kept in absolute secrecy.
One of the most notable activities of Shayetet 13 in recent years has been the interception of weapon shipments. Hundreds of tons of weapons, ranging from grenades to anti-ship missile systems, have been prevented from reaching targets in Lebanon and Palestine.
In 2002, Shayetet 13 successfully intercepted the Karine A vessel, which was carrying a large shipment of weapons from Iran to Gaza, 500 km off the coast of Israel. Over 50 tons of weapons, including machine guns, sniper rifles, mortars, ATGMs (anti-tank missiles), and ammunition, were seized and offloaded at the port of Eilat. Following this, several other operations were carried out to prevent arms smuggling to and from Iran. In the 2000s, several ships flying flags from various countries, containing weapons such as rockets, missiles, and large-caliber mortars, were also successfully intercepted.
Another area of operation for Shayetet 13 is dealing with Palestinian terrorist organizations. Since the outbreak of the second intifada, this special forces unit has carried out numerous operations to capture and eliminate terrorists, as well as to destroy Palestinian terrorist infrastructure.
Many operations outside the unit’s main expertise have led to mixed assessments. However, the naval special forces still demonstrate exceptional skill, even when facing significant losses: 6 commandos sacrificed their lives while carrying out missions in enemy territory.
One of the most controversial operations of Shayetet 13 in recent years was the attack on the Turkish ship Mavi Marmara. While the operation achieved its tactical objective, it sparked strong international criticism and raised debates about the legality and tactics of the Israeli special forces.
Shayetet 13 is not only a special forces unit with exceptional skills in naval operations but also has the capability to conduct diverse operations in all environments. From intercepting weapon smuggling and eliminating terrorism to participating in high-risk missions, this unit consistently demonstrates professionalism and high effectiveness, making it one of the top special forces in the world.
Spetsnaz – The Elite Special Forces of Russia
Spetsnaz, the special forces of the Russian military, includes independent combat units from the GRU, Navy, and other special agencies, including counter-terrorism units from the Russian Armed Forces.
The Spetsnaz warriors, renowned for their bravery and toughness, undertake special military missions such as capturing strategic targets, conducting sabotage deep within enemy territory, as well as eliminating terrorist groups and criminal gangs. They are a key force in the Russian military, entrusted with complex and highly critical tasks.
The Special Operations Forces (SOF) are the most elite units within the Russian Armed Forces. Joining this force requires passing through the most rigorous conditions, along with a highly demanding combat training program.
This force is entirely recruited from professional soldiers, primarily from the Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) of the Russian General Staff. They carry out missions such as sabotage, reconnaissance, and counter-sabotage at critical targets and facilities. However, the main difference between SOF and regular GRU special forces units lies in the level of training and the scope of their missions.
- Selection and intensive training: SOF only recruits warriors who have already received thorough training, and then continues to further train them to enhance their specialized skills.
- Under supreme command: SOF operates under the direct command of the Chief of the General Staff, whereas regular GRU brigades, regiments, and special forces units are subject to dual command from the Military Intelligence Directorate and the individual military districts, corps, or naval forces.
Spetsnaz is known for their ability to complete extremely difficult missions that require precision, perseverance, and high combat skills. They are responsible for:
- Seizing strategic targets: bridges, power plants, airports, and critical military facilities.
- Sabotage operations: Destroying infrastructure and enemy weapons within enemy territory.
- Reconnaissance and counter-sabotage: Gathering critical intelligence and preventing enemy sabotage activities.
- Counter-terrorism: Carrying out operations to eliminate terrorists and rescue hostages in critical situations.
As one of the top special forces in the world, Spetsnaz maintains a high level of secrecy. All information about their operations, structure, and missions is tightly classified. This further enhances the allure and prestige of Spetsnaz, making them a symbol of Russia’s military strength and superior skills.
Spetsnaz is not only a special operations force but also a source of pride for the Russian military, embodying the indomitable spirit, resilience, and skill of its finest warriors.
SAS – The Special Air Service of the United Kingdom
SAS (Special Air Service) is the special air service unit of the British Army, part of the top-tier special forces of the United Kingdom. Along with the SBS (Special Boat Service), SAS plays a central role in the UK’s special forces system and is considered one of the oldest and most elite special forces units in the world.
Founded during World War II, the SAS proved its crucial role in deep penetration missions behind enemy lines. The counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism tactics developed by the SAS have become a model for special forces worldwide. Renowned units such as the U.S. Green Berets and Delta Force have learned from and applied SAS tactics in their formation and development.
The SAS is not only an outstanding fighting force on the battlefield but also a symbol of bravery and professionalism, clearly reflected in the unit’s motto: “Who Dares Wins.”
The SAS is tasked with carrying out a range of special missions, both in times of war and peace, including:
In wartime:
- Carrying out reconnaissance, sabotage, and undermining the enemy’s rear lines.
- Identifying key military targets such as command posts, communication centers, airports, weapon depots, and nuclear facilities to provide intelligence to relevant forces.
- Carrying out attacks to eliminate or neutralize strategic facilities and important military and political figures of the enemy.
- Guiding airstrikes and assessing the results of the attacks.
- Organizing and training insurgent units on enemy territory.
In peacetime:
- Counter-terrorism and hostage rescue.
- Protecting high-profile individuals and national strategic facilities.
- Gathering intelligence and carrying out covert operations domestically and internationally.
The SAS consists of three independent regiments, and during wartime, these regiments are placed under the operational command of the British Armed Forces Command. The flexible structure of the SAS allows them to operate effectively in any environment, from urban areas and jungles to deserts and mountainous regions.
In addition to units specializing in military operations, the SAS also has special counter-terrorism teams, which are thoroughly trained to handle the most dangerous crisis situations.
The SAS is not only distinguished by its superior combat skills but also by its indomitable spirit, adaptability, and creativity in every mission. With a glorious history and significant contributions on the battlefield, the SAS deserves to be one of the top special forces in the world, clearly reflecting the United Kingdom’s pioneering role in global security and defense.
Conclusion
Special forces not only represent the elite of the armed forces but also symbolize bravery, unwavering fighting spirit, and the ability to tackle seemingly impossible missions. From counter-terrorism operations, hostage rescues to intelligence gathering and strategic sabotage, each force carries unique skills and tactics to accomplish their objectives.
Through the article, we hope you have gained a comprehensive and detailed understanding of the elite and effectiveness of the top special forces in the world. Their remarkable achievements and extraordinary abilities not only make history but also serve as an endless source of inspiration for those interested in military and security fields. Continue to join Thefactsofwar to explore more fascinating and engaging stories about the history of warfare and armed forces around the world!
