5 Countries with the Highest Number of Military Special Forces in the World

3. United Kingdom

Special Forces: 6

There are six military special forces in the United Kingdom. The Special Air Service (SAS) is the most notable unit in the UK, which works under the British Army, and specializes in a variety of roles, including hostage rescue, direct action, reconnaissance, and counter-terrorism. It has been active since 1947. SAS had a vital role to play in the wars against terror, especially in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Special Boat Service (SBS) is the special operations unit of the Royal Navy. It is the sister unit of SAS, and the equivalent of the Navy SEALs in the United States. The unit’s selection process is highly challenging, with candidates undergoing rigorous assessments like combat survival, intense interrogation, and jungle training.

Special Reconnaissance Regiment, Special Forces Support Group, 18 Signal Regiment, and Joint Special Forces Aviation Wing are the other four special force groups of the UK military.