8 most elite special forces in the world

Pakistan's Special Services Group makes it to the list at number eight

Elite special forces of a country's military are the best trained and formidable units.

The best of the best, these forces go through rigorous training and very few get to become a part. They carry out daring missions and take out strategic targets, going where others fear to tread.

While it is difficult to rank special forces of different countries, some units have better track records and instill fear in their enemies.



Following is a list put together by Business Insider's military and defense team.

8. Pakistan's Special Services Group

Known as the Black Storks, Pakistan's Special Services Group is the special operations force of the Pakistan Army. Training reportedly includes a 36-mile march in 12 hours and a 5-mile run in 50 minutes, wearing full gear.

In October 2009, SSG commandos rescued 40 people that had been taken hostage by suspected Taliban militants, after an attack on army's headquarters.

Training reportedly includes a 36-mile march in 12 hours and a 5-mile run in 50 minutes, wearing full gear. PHOTO: defence.pk

7. Spain's Naval Special Warfare Force

Spain's special force is one of Europe's most-respected. It was established in 1952 as a volunteer Amphibious Climbing Company unit and then turned into an elite fighting force.

Becoming part of this force, however, is a challenge. The failure rate of candidates is 70 to 80 per cent. It's not uncommon for 100 per cent of would-be recruits to be rejected.

Spain's special force is one of Europe's most-respected. PHOTO: Reuters

6. Russia's Alpha Group

Created by the KGB in 1974, Russia's Alpha Group is one of the best known special force units in the world. It currently remains in service under FSB.

Alpha Group is a dedicated counter-terrorism task force and is also available for covert operations, both domestically and internationally.

Alpha Group is a dedicated counter-terrorism task force. PHOTO: Wiki Commons

5. France's National Gendarmerie Intervention Group

The 200 strong counter-terrorism force is one of the world's finest. Trained specifically to respond to hostage situations, GIGN has reportedly freed more than 600 people since its formation in 1973. In France, it is against the law to publish pictures of its members' faces.

GIGN forces advised Saudi authorities on regaining control during the seizure of the Grand Mosque in Makkah in 1979.

In France, it is against the law to publish pictures of its members' faces. PHOTO: REUTERS

4. Israel's Sayeret Matkal

An elite unit, the purpose of Israel's Sayeret Matkal is to gather intelligence, usually operating behind enemy lines.

Selection camp puts would-be recruits through hardcore training exercises, constantly being monitored by doctors and psychologists. Only the strongest are recruited.

Selection camp puts would-be recruits through hardcore training exercises. PHOTO: special-ops.org

3. British Special Air Service

Also knows as SAS, the unit undertakes many roles, including covert operations, counter-terrorism, direct action and hostage rescue.

SAS was formed during the Second World War. It gained fame and recognition after its televised rescue of all but one hostages during the Iranian Embassy siege in 1980.

The unit undertakes many roles. PHOTO: Youtube screengrab

2. British Special Boat Service

The recruitment of SBS is grueling. Candidates are put through an endurance test, jungle training in the rain forests of Belize, and combat survival training, which involves intense interrogtion. Candidates are only given two attempts to pass.

During times of armed conflict and war, SBS are required to operate in enemy controlled territory.

The recruitment of SBS is grueling. PHOTO: Youtube screengrab

1. United States Navy SEALs

US Navy SEALs are the top special operations force. Created in 1962, SEALs are trained to operate in all environments (Air, Sea and Land).

They are expected to go through years of training and many foreign militaries have based their special ops on the SEALs.

SEALs are expected to go through years of training. PHOTO: REUTERS

This story originally appeared on Business Insider