IAF’s ‘Garud’ Commandos Complete Training as Maroon Beret Parade Held at Air Force Station Chandinagar

The Indian Air Force marked a significant milestone in strengthening its special operations capability as the Maroon Beret Ceremonial Parade for newly trained ‘Garud’ Special Forces operatives was held on May 23, 2026, at the Garud Regimental Training Centre (GRTC), Air Force Station Chandinagar. The ceremony symbolised the successful completion of one of the most demanding military training programmes in the country and the induction of a new batch of elite commandos into the Indian Air Force’s specialised ‘Garud’ force.

Air Vice Marshal Rahul Gupta, Assistant Chief of Air Staff Operations (Space), reviewed the ceremonial parade as the Chief Guest and congratulated the trainees on successfully completing their intensive Special Forces training. The occasion represented not only a moment of pride for the newly inducted commandos but also an important step in enhancing the Indian Air Force’s operational preparedness amid evolving national and global security challenges.

The Commandant of the Garud Regimental Training Centre welcomed the Chief Guest and briefed him on the various aspects of the rigorous training regimen undertaken by the trainees. The programme highlighted the extensive preparation and specialised combat conditioning required to transform air warriors into highly capable Special Forces operators capable of undertaking complex and high-risk missions.

Addressing the newly inducted ‘Garuds,’ Air Vice Marshal Rahul Gupta underlined the importance of continuous training, discipline, adaptability, and advanced combat readiness in today’s rapidly changing security environment. He emphasised that modern warfare is increasingly multidimensional, involving conventional threats, asymmetric warfare, counter-terrorism operations, cyber challenges, and strategic response capabilities. In such an environment, Special Forces units play a decisive role in protecting national interests and responding swiftly to emerging threats.

During the ceremony, the Chief Guest presented the coveted Maroon Beret, Garud Proficiency Badge, and Special Forces Tabs to the successful trainees, officially inducting them into the elite Garud force. Trophies and awards were also presented to outstanding performers in recognition of excellence during the demanding training programme.

The passing out ceremony featured a series of high-intensity demonstrations showcasing the advanced operational capabilities acquired by the trainees during their course. The newly inducted commandos displayed expertise in combat firing, hostage rescue operations, assault firing drills, handling of explosives, obstacle crossing, wall climbing, slithering, rappelling, and military martial arts. The demonstrations reflected the specialised combat preparedness and physical endurance expected from India’s elite Special Forces personnel.

Military observers noted that the Garud force has steadily evolved into one of the Indian Air Force’s most critical operational units, playing a key role in protecting strategic air bases, conducting counter-terrorism operations, supporting combat search and rescue missions, and undertaking specialised airfield operations in hostile environments.

The Maroon Beret Ceremony is regarded as one of the most prestigious milestones in the journey of a Garud commando. The maroon beret itself symbolizes courage, endurance, sacrifice, and elite combat capability. Earning the beret requires trainees to undergo prolonged physical conditioning, survival exercises, weapons training, tactical operations, airborne drills, and specialised combat missions under extreme conditions.

The Garud force, established in 2004, was created as the dedicated Special Forces unit of the Indian Air Force to meet the growing need for rapid-response and specialised operations in modern warfare. Over the years, Garud commandos have participated in several critical operations involving counter-insurgency, anti-terror missions, strategic asset protection, and high-risk combat deployments.

Officials also highlighted the growing strategic importance of Special Forces in the Indian military’s future operational doctrine. With warfare increasingly involving hybrid threats, precision operations, and rapid-response missions, units like the Garud force are expected to play a larger role in India’s national security architecture.

The significance of the newly inducted operators becomes even more prominent in the context of the Indian Air Force’s expanding role in advanced and specialised military missions. Referring to the contribution of IAF Special Forces during Operation Sindoor, officials stated that the induction of the newly trained Garuds will further enhance the Air Force’s ability to undertake newly defined strategic and special missions.

Defence experts believe that strengthening Special Forces capability remains essential for India’s preparedness in dealing with modern security challenges, including cross-border terrorism, strategic infrastructure protection, unconventional warfare, and rapid tactical operations in sensitive regions.

The successful completion of training by the new batch of Garud commandos not only reinforces the operational strength of the Indian Air Force but also reflects India’s continued focus on modernising its defence forces and building highly trained specialised combat units capable of responding effectively to future security scenarios.