Special Frontier Force

Which Ministry Is SFF Under?

While classified and shrouded in secrecy, the SFF operates under the purview of the Cabinet Secretariat, specifically the Directorate General of Security.

Why Special Frontier Force is also known as Establishment 22?

The Special Frontier Force, alternatively recognized as ‘Establishment 22′ or simply ’22,’ earned its name from its inaugural Inspector General, Major General Sujan Singh Uban (Retd.) of the Indian Army. Major General Uban, a distinguished figure in the British Indian Army, previously served as the commander of the 22 Mountain Regiment during World War II. Renowned for his valor and recipient of the Military Cross, he led the 22nd Mountain Role of the Forces Regiment in Europe and commanded a Long-Range Desert Group Squadron (LRDS) in North Africa.

Is SFF A Paramilitary?

No, the SFF is not technically considered a paramilitary force. It falls under the broader category of Special Forces, distinct from paramilitary forces due to their specialized training, unconventional warfare capabilities, and direct reporting to higher national security authorities.

How Can I Join SFF In India?

Joining the SFF is exceptionally challenging and requires rigorous physical and mental aptitude tests, along with specialized language skills and psychological evaluations. The specific recruitment process remains classified, but generally involves contacting the Indian Army or relevant defense authorities.

When was the Special Frontier Force formed?

Establishment 22, also recognized as the Special Frontier Force, was established on November 14, 1962, which coincided with Nehru’s birthday. This date also marked the resumption of the war with China on the eastern front after a short period of calm.

What Is The Role Of SFF?

The SFF’s primary role is to conduct covert operations behind enemy lines and in unconventional warfare scenarios. They may also be involved in counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, and intelligence gathering.

Does IAF Have Special Forces?

Yes, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has its own elite special forces unit called the Garuda Commando Force. They handle specialized operations and hostage rescue within the IAF’s domain.



Special Frontier Force – History, Role & Tibetan Elite Mountain Warfare Unit

The Special Frontier Force, or SFF, is a very secretive Indian military group. The Special Frontier Force’s battalions are collectively known as the Vikas battalions. The SFF was formed after the 1962 war between India and China. It was created to be a special task force to do dangerous missions. The SFF had Tibetan refugees who could survive and fight in the mountains where China is located. At first, the SFF did spy and sabotage tasks behind enemy lines against China. Over the years, the SFF started doing other top-secret missions along India’s borders. It now uses unconventional fighting methods for high-risk operations that normal military forces may not be able to do. Though not talked about openly, the hushed SFF plays an important role in India’s defense and security.

Table of Content

  • Special Frontier Force
  • Special Frontier Force – Vikas Battalion
  • About Special Frontier Force – SFF
  • History of Special Frontier Force
  • Special Frontier Force – Timeline
  • Special Frontier Force – Latest News
  • Role of SFF – Role In National Security
  • Special Frontier Force – Ranks
  • Special Frontier Force – Operations
  • Special Frontier Force – Awards Received
  • Important operations of SFF

Similar Reads

Special Frontier Force

Special Frontier Force (SFF) is an Indian special operations task force created in 1962 that is technically part of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), India’s external intelligence agency....

Special Frontier Force – Vikas Battalion

The Vikas Battalions, also known as the Special Frontier Force (SFF), are a unique and highly trained paramilitary unit under the Cabinet Secretariat of India. Primarily composed of Tibetan refugees and Gurkhas, these elite soldiers play a crucial role in safeguarding national security through covert operations and specialized missions....

About Special Frontier Force – SFF

Some key facts about Special Frontier Force are:...

History of Special Frontier Force

India started the SFF in 1962 after losing a border war to China. India wanted a secret group to do special missions behind enemy lines against China if there was another war. At first, the SFF had Tibetan refugees who had run away to India. They knew how to survive and fight in the mountains where China is. These Tibetan soldiers were trained secretly in the Himalayan mountains to be experts in mountain warfare. In the 1971 war between India and Pakistan, the SFF did secret raids and attacks in East Pakistan hills. They disrupted Pakistan’s army. Below are the following historical details related to the SFF:...

Special Frontier Force Timeline

A Timeline of Covert Missions and Mountain Valor:...

Special Frontier Force – Latest News

Some latest news regarding Special Frontier Force are mentioned below:...

Role of SFF – Role In National Security

The Special Frontier Force (SFF) plays a important, yet largely unseen, role in safeguarding India’s national security. Their activities often remain shrouded in secrecy for operational security reasons, but their contributions can be broadly categorized into three key areas:...

Special Frontier Force – Ranks

The Special Frontier Force (SFF) operates under a unique rank structure that differs from the Indian Army in some aspects. Here’s a breakdown of the ranks, with details available:...

Special Frontier Force – Operations

The Special Frontier Force (SFF) is a highly specialized and secretive unit of the Indian Army, primarily composed of Tibetan refugees and Gurkhas. Their operations often remain classified, but here’s a glimpse into some notable ones:...

Special Frontier Force – Awards Received

Recognition and Awards received by the SFF:...

Important operations of SFF

Operation Eagle (1971 war): Ensuring the security of the Chittagong Hills. Operation Bluestar (1984): Clearing the Golden Temple. Operation Meghdoot (1984): Securing the Siachen Glacier. Operation Vijay (1999, Kargil): Addressing the conflict in Kargil.”...

Conclusion

In Conclusion, the Special Frontier Force (SFF) stands out as a part of India’s defense setup, operating under the Cabinet Secretariat. Its specialized tasks and covert activities highlight its crucial role in securing sensitive border areas. The air of secrecy around the SFF enhances its mystery, making it a fascinating aspect of India’s defense. The dedication, training, and sacrifices of its members play a vital role in protecting the country’s interests, particularly in regions where standard military operations might encounter difficulties. While details of SFF’s operations and structure are scarce, it is evident that it constitutes a crucial part of India’s strategic capabilities. recent developments indicate that SFF’s importance has only grown despite its classified status. The force provides the country with an elite and highly trained special ops group able to carry out the most dangerous and sensitive operations across India’s hostile borders. Even though the SFF functions away from the public eye, it plays a critical role in furthering India’s national security interests....

Special Frontier Force – FAQs

Which Ministry Is SFF Under?...