British SAS Legend Chris Ryan Reveals Who Has the Best Special Forces in the World
In the world of elite military units, debates often rage over which country boasts the most capable and fearsome special forces. While opinions vary and comparisons are notoriously difficult due to the clandestine nature of such operations, few people are as qualified to weigh in on the matter as former British SAS soldier Chris Ryan. Recently, in a widely viewed interview, Ryan offered his take on who leads the global arena in special operations forces—drawing from his firsthand experience in some of the most challenging combat scenarios imaginable.
Chris Ryan, born Colin Armstrong, is no ordinary commentator. He served as a corporal in the British Army’s Special Air Service (SAS), one of the most revered and battle-hardened special forces units in the world. His name rose to global prominence after his role in the infamous Bravo Two Zero mission during the 1991 Gulf War, in which he escaped capture by Iraqi forces and made a harrowing solo journey of over 180 miles—still considered one of the longest escapes and evasions in SAS history. His experiences have since been chronicled in best-selling books and documentaries, making him a respected voice in the military community.
In the recent interview, Ryan was asked a perennial question that excites both military enthusiasts and professionals: Who has the best special forces in the world? Rather than offering a simplistic or jingoistic answer, Ryan took a more nuanced approach.
He began by acknowledging that many nations have incredibly capable special forces, shaped by the specific challenges of their geopolitical environments. For example, he spoke highly of the U.S. Navy SEALs and Delta Force, pointing out their vast resources, high level of training, and broad operational experience across multiple conflicts, including Iraq, Afghanistan, and counterterrorism missions worldwide. He noted that their ability to integrate cutting-edge technology with top-tier tactical execution makes them a formidable force on the battlefield.
However, Ryan didn’t shy away from praising his own former unit. He emphasized that the SAS continues to punch well above its weight, with a reputation built not only on elite selection and training but also on its longstanding operational history, dating back to World War II. The SAS’s motto, “Who Dares Wins,” is more than just a slogan—it reflects a culture of calculated risk-taking and relentless determination. Ryan suggested that the SAS’s influence has been so profound that many special forces around the world, including the U.S. Delta Force, have modeled aspects of their training and structure on the SAS template.
He also made sure to credit other top-tier units such as Israel’s Sayeret Matkal, Russia’s Spetsnaz, France’s GIGN, and Germany’s GSG 9—highlighting that each has carved a niche based on the demands of their national security contexts. For example, Israeli special forces have honed urban counterterrorism skills due to the unique threats faced in the region, while Russian units have extensive experience in hybrid warfare and harsh terrain operations.
What sets a great special forces unit apart, Ryan emphasized, is not just physical prowess or cutting-edge gear, but mindset and adaptability. He remarked that the best special operators are thinkers as well as fighters—capable of making fast decisions under pressure and operating in high-risk environments where missions can change at a moment’s notice. Training, according to him, is only part of the equation; mental resilience and leadership under fire are what truly distinguish the elite from the merely well-trained.
While he refrained from naming a single “best” unit definitively, Ryan’s analysis suggests that the competition isn’t about supremacy—it’s about specialization. Each elite unit reflects the needs, doctrines, and experiences of their country. The SAS may lead in certain domains, while the Navy SEALs may dominate in others. Ultimately, he seemed to argue, the best special forces unit in the world may depend not on abstract rankings but on the mission at hand.
Ryan’s insight serves as a reminder that behind every patch and beret lies a complex web of training, experience, and sacrifice. For those who risk their lives in the shadows, fame or credit is secondary. It is the mission, the team, and the unwavering sense of purpose that truly define the world’s most elite warriors.
For viewers interested in watching Chris Ryan’s full interview, it is available on YouTube under the title: “British SAS Legend Reveals Who Has The Best Special Forces In The World | Chris Ryan”.
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