Major (R) Haroon Rasheed is a Defense and Strategic Analyst specializing in South Asian military dynamics, deterrence strategy, and defense modernization. He is a member of the Research and Evaluation Cell for Advancing Basic Amenities and Development (REC ABAD).
Special forces represent the highest standard of military capability, endurance, and strategic value. These elite units operate in environments where conventional forces cannot—conducting counterterrorism, hostage rescue, deep reconnaissance, clandestine penetration, and unconventional warfare. While different publications present their own rankings, the most referenced sources—RankRed, G.I. Jobs, WatchMojo, and Wikipedia—compile their lists based on rigorous criteria such as training difficulty, combat record, operational achievements, and overall reputation.
It is important to clarify that while some Indian media outlets falsely claim Para SF ranks in the top 4 or 5, none of the credible international rankings place Indian Para SF in the top 10. Their exaggerated ranking appears mainly in Indian domestic narratives, not in global assessments.
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International analyses consistently list the following units as the top 10:
1. Delta Force (USA)
2. Navy SEALs (USA)
3. Sayeret Matkal (Israel)
4. SAS (United Kingdom)
5. Spetsnaz (Russia)
6. GROM (Poland)
7. Special Services Group – SSG (Pakistan)
8. Alpha Group (Russia)
9. JTF2 (Canada)
10. GIGN (France)
Indian Para SF does not appear in these globally accepted top 10 rankings, confirming that their inclusion in top-tier positions is not supported by reputable international evaluations.
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Special Services Group (SSG) – Pakistan’s Elite Force
Raised in 1956, Pakistan’s Special Services Group (SSG) is widely regarded as one of the world’s most battle-tested and formidable special forces. Their professionalism, courage, and performance in real combat situations have earned them a respected place among the best.
1. Selection & Training – One of the Hardest Programs Worldwide
The SSG’s selection process is unmatched in South Asia and stands on par with SAS and US Special Forces. Only 5–6% of volunteers survive the grueling regime.
Key components include:
36–40 km marches with full combat load
Extreme desert, mountain, jungle, and snow survival
24/7 continuous combat simulations
Advanced weapons, demolition, HALO/HAHO jumps
Mental stress tests that eliminate most candidates
This ruthless training ensures only the toughest succeed—earning the title “Men of Steel.”
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2. Structure & Specializations
The SSG consists of highly specialized sub-units:
Zarrar Company – Counterterrorism & anti-hijacking
High-Altitude Warfare Units – Exceptional glacier and mountain expertise
Airborne Units – Parachute wings, free-fall operations
Commando Battalions – Deep penetration & unconventional warfare
Special Protection Teams – Strategic & VIP security
This multi-domain capability allows SSG to operate anywhere—from Himalayan glaciers to deserts, jungles, or dense urban environments.
3. Real Combat Experience – A Distinct Edge
Unlike many special forces that train more than they fight, the SSG has deep operational experience in real warzones:
Major operations in Swat, Waziristan, FATA
Operation Black Thunderstorm, Rah-e-Raast, Rah-e-Nijat
Lal Masjid (Operation Silence)
Counter-terror raids in Karachi and other cities
Numerous hostage rescues and anti-hijacking missions
Their high-altitude warfare record, especially near Siachen and K2 corridors, is unmatched in the region.
Internationally, SSG has served in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the Middle East, and UN missions, earning global praise.
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4. Joint Training with World’s Best Units
SSG routinely trains with:
US Special Forces & Rangers
UK SAS
Turkish Maroon
Berets
Chinese PLA Special Forces
Saudi Royal Guards
These joint drills confirm SSG’s recognition as a top-tier force.
Conclusion
Across trusted international rankings—including RankRed, G.I. Jobs, WatchMojo, and Wikipedia—Pakistan’s SSG is consistently placed among the top 10 special forces of the world.
It must be emphasized that Indian Para SF is not included in any reputable top-10 list, and claims placing them in the top 4–5 are not supported by global assessments.
The SSG stands tall due to its brutal training, extensive combat experience, and unwavering resolve—solidifying its place as one of the world’s premier special operations forces and a symbol of Pakistan’s military excellence.
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Major (R) Haroon Rasheed is a Defense and Strategic Analyst specializing in South Asian military dynamics, deterrence strategies, and defense modernization. He is a member of the Research and Evaluation Cell for Advancing Basic Amenities and Development (REC ABAD).
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