Top 10 Most Elite Special Forces in the World

Special operations units are among the most highly trained military forces on the planet, and for good reason. They are prepared for some of the toughest missions in the world, often operating in complex, high-risk environments where the margin for error is painfully thin.

These are the units built for missions that demand extreme discipline, advanced training, specialized equipment, and the ability to operate under pressure that would turn most people into soup.

This list is for the special operations forces that stand out as the most prepared, best trained, most capable, and most likely to complete their objectives.

The Top Ten

British Special Air Service (SAS)

The British Special Air Service, or SAS, is a special forces unit of the British Army. They are known for their expertise in counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, and covert reconnaissance missions. The SAS was founded in 1941 and has been involved in numerous conflicts around the world, including the Gulf War, the Falklands War, and the War in Afghanistan.

Nearly all the world's Special Forces base their military model on the British SAS. In fact, the USA's Delta Force was set up after the founder spent time attached to the SAS. Delta Force even uses an SAS organizational structure, utilizing troops and squadrons. It's often remarked that the sand beret is also worn by US Rangers, but this was a recent development and, in any case, the Rangers are not the same kind of unit. It can be said with confidence that the world's most professional special forces belong to Britain.

The Special Air Service is the number one fighting force in the world. It is trained to perform equally well in all the fields listed for the SEALs, but is also trained by MI5 and MI6 for in-depth counter-espionage, more so than the SEALs.
Physical competency must be of equal stature to the SEALs, to the degree that both special forces work closely together when necessary (Iraq and Afghanistan) and have good camaraderie.
United States Navy Sea, Air, and Land (SEALs) Teams

The United States Navy Sea, Air, and Land (SEALs) Teams are the special operations force of the United States Navy. They are trained to conduct maritime operations, direct action warfare, and special reconnaissance missions. SEALs are also known for their expertise in combat diving, parachuting, and close quarters combat.

The SEALs are the best in the world today. Arguing about physical, mental, and emotional training is moot because all special ops units are elite in those categories. However, the SEALs have advantages over others due to the unparalleled US military budget, which provides them with training in every geographical and climate scenario.
The US has been active in wars around the globe since the Cold War, providing the SEALs with actual battlefield experience and proven results. Whereas most other units belong to nations that have not been at war for many years. At the end of the day, the SEALs blow past the competition because of their incredibly advanced technology and endless firepower.
Upon completion of duty, former SEALs are the most hired consultants by other nations to oversee training for their respective units than any other special ops organization.
Indian Marine Commandos (MARCOS)

The Indian Marine Commandos, or MARCOS, are the special forces unit of the Indian Navy. They specialize in amphibious warfare, which includes conducting operations in and around the coastal areas of India. The MARCOS are highly trained in close combat, urban warfare, underwater operations, and anti-piracy missions.

Indian MARCOS are one of the best forces present in the world. They are HALO and HAHO trained and are equipped with the best assault rifles, sniper rifles, and real-time warfare equipment required. These individuals are emotionally well-trained and highly motivated when it comes to defending their own country.
The rejection rate during the selection process is as high as 98%, which is why India has only 2000 marine commandos. Sooner or later, this special group will rise to the top, and it won't be long before MARCOS deliver a decisive blow to Pakistan, a country known for promoting terrorism.

See, Indian special forces, or MARCOS, are the ones who are prepared for the worst-ever situations, so they are the best.
Secondly, unfortunately, we, as India, have had a number of bad experiences such as terrorism, war fronts, hill terrain warfare, and seafront wars. But the good thing is that we are more familiar with these situations, so we know better than anyone else how to face them. Thus, they are trained with all these things in view.
Thirdly, India is a land of different terrains. Almost all types are available here, so they are trained in different terrains.
Lastly, but not least, you can come up with a strategy for a mind-driven person or a powerful enemy, but for someone who is emotionally driven with a fire of enthusiasm and love for the country, you can't stop them.
Russian Spetsnaz

The Russian Spetsnaz, or special forces, is a term used to describe various special forces units of the Russian Armed Forces. They are trained in a range of skills, including direct action, sabotage, and reconnaissance. Spetsnaz units have been involved in various conflicts, including the Soviet-Afghan War and the ongoing conflict in Donbass.

I think the Russian military is much better for anyone who wants to serve. They have the hardest training I have ever seen, maybe except for Taiwan's leopard crawl. While the training could kill you, it is worth it in the end.
The hand-to-hand training seems more skilled than in any other country. The flexibility of the trainees is absolutely amazing. People say Russia is a terrible place for anyone, including the military personnel, but if we're being honest, they take better care of their soldiers than the U.S. does. We have slacked on our military training in every branch, while Russia always seems to make everyone else's look like they are just playing games.
United States Delta Force

The United States Army's 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta, or Delta Force, is a special operations force of the United States Army. They are trained to conduct hostage rescue missions, direct action warfare, and reconnaissance. Delta Force has been involved in various conflicts, including the Gulf War and the War in Afghanistan.

I believe it's kind of hard to determine which special forces unit is "better," as they all tend to have their own specialties and therefore are better or worse depending on the situation. However, given Delta's secrecy, 100 percent accuracy marksmanship training, and incredibly high-risk training methods (for example, using live ammunition in hostage simulations while their comrades play the roles of the hostages), and also seeing how Delta recruits from other special forces groups while many others have open tryouts, I'd say that Delta Force is at least the most "badass."

Who the hell even comes up with these lists? While Delta primarily recruits from the Army, they recruit from all branches and all units, including DEVGRU. People are recruited upwards to more capable units, not downwards to less capable ones. Operators move from other units (if they pass) to Delta. Delta operators don't go to other units.
While the SAS is outstanding and the forerunner of what today is called special ops and the original template for Delta, many SAS operators (somewhat grudgingly) have admitted to being surpassed by Delta, even if only by a small margin.
CAG is the top of the pyramid.
Pakistani Special Service Group (SSG)

The Pakistan Special Service Group, or SSG, is a special operations force of the Pakistan Army. They are trained to carry out unconventional warfare, guerrilla warfare, and intelligence gathering. The SSG has been involved in various conflicts, including the War in Afghanistan and the ongoing insurgency in Balochistan.

Very brave and courageous. A Russian president once said that if he had Pakistan's army and Russian weapons, he could conquer the entire world because they are very brave.

The SSG had only 100 men in the Battle of the Hill in Afghanistan, in which they posed as Mujahideen and attacked the Russian regiments of Spetsnaz there. They won the battle although the enemy had the elevation of their posts and superior numbers on their side.
In another case, only 100 SSGs cleared 3 towns in the Swat District from 2,000 Taliban in a matter of 2 days.
Israeli Shayetet 13

Shayetet 13 is the naval special forces unit of the Israeli Defense Forces. They specialize in maritime and underwater operations, including counter-terrorism, sabotage, and intelligence gathering. Shayetet 13 has been involved in various conflicts, including the Yom Kippur War and the War on Terror.

The Israeli Naval Commandos have always had a strong reputation for what they are capable of. A highly well-trained group of soldiers capable of assaults by sea, air, or land and specializing in maritime operations. Arguments will most likely be made as to why this unit is not a top 5 unit. Most funding to Israeli special ops units like Shayetet 13, Matkal, and Shaldag comes from the United States. Therefore, since they are relying on an uncertain external force to keep them afloat, I consider their foundation too fragile to rank higher.

Shayetet 13 is more similar to the SEALs than to Delta Force, given that they are "the Israeli Navy SEALs." I think they deserve a spot in the top 5 for sure.
Some of the units here were trained by men who came from the Israeli special forces, like the Indians and the Polish GROM, for example.
United States Army Special Forces (Green Berets)

The United States Army Special Forces, also known as Green Berets, is a special operations force of the United States Army. They are trained in unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, and counter-terrorism. Green Berets have been involved in various conflicts, including the Vietnam War and the War in Afghanistan.

I don't know anything about other forces, but my dad was a Green Beret and he trained me in subtle ways my entire life. Their training has obviously stayed with them to their core, and they are perfect and godlike to me.
Aside from fighting skills, they have taught me how to be patient and calm in stressful situations, how to observe and engage others while sizing up situations. I think they're the best because they're not just badass jocks. They are suffused with something different, something extremely honorable, and their presence alone almost imperceptibly asks that of others around them.
And more than anything, they have taught me the importance of keeping a secret. All my life, whenever I've been told something in confidence, I've never repeated it. I was told, "They're weaker than you and I, and usually share secrets because they have nothing better to say."
"I've got a girl in every port bay..."
Polish JW GROM

JW GROM is a special forces unit of the Polish Armed Forces. They specialize in anti-terrorist operations, direct action, and special reconnaissance. JW GROM was established in 1990 and has been involved in various peacekeeping and counter-terrorism missions, including the War in Afghanistan.

They are the guys whom the USA calls when they have a mission behind enemy lines (Afghanistan, Iraq are confirmed examples) that they want to keep very secret and quiet. Most of the time, for years, nobody even knows that any operations were conducted. They were operating in Iraq for at least a year before the official invasion (confirmed 10 years later).
They also specialize in search and rescue operations behind enemy lines - yes, they rescued SEALs from the hands of Saddam's soldiers, more than once. Currently, there are rumors that SEALs visit Poland to get training from GROM.

Polish GROM is in the same league as the British SAS, US Navy SEALs, and Delta Force. It was created and trained based on the same principles and standards as them. In my opinion, GROM should be within the world's top four special units.
Just ask the British and Americans who have carried out quite a few special operations with GROM. They will tell you what GROM is worth.
Canadian Joint Task Force 2 (JTF2)

The Canadian Joint Task Force 2, or JTF2, is the special operations force of the Canadian Armed Forces. They specialize in counter-terrorism, direct action, and reconnaissance missions. JTF2 has been involved in various conflicts, including the War in Afghanistan and the Gulf War.

JTF-2 remains the only foreign special operation unit to be inducted into the American Tier 1 ranking (along with Delta and Seal Team 6). Furthermore, JTF-2 is a military unit specifically requested to perform operations that were seen as incapable for other special forces such as Seals, Green Berets, and Delta during operations in Afghanistan.
They are experts trained to operate in the world's deadliest terrains, where they specifically train in frozen and mountainous environments. Information about JTF-2 members is deemed classified, and members of the unit cannot inform family members of their involvement within the unit.
It is one of the most guarded and secret special forces units in the world - products of a nation that values training and the advancement of weapon technology above all else.

The Newcomers

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Egyptian Sa'ka Forces

The Egyptian Sa'ka Forces, also known as Thunderbolt Forces, is the special operations force of the Egyptian Armed Forces. They are trained in counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, and unconventional warfare. The Sa'ka Forces has been involved in various conflicts, including the Sinai insurgency and the War on Terror.

This should be elevated to where the SEALs are. I've seen these guys before and, heck, they are no joke. They have trained with the top special forces in the world and have proven themselves as crucial to those specific missions as the other teams.

They also train to benefit from and survive in the environment. As part of their training, they learn to kill snakes, lizards, and scorpions and to eat them alive.

Simply elite. The Thunderbolt forces should be among the best in the world, or at least in the top ten. Like others here say, they are kick-ass.
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Serbian 63rd Parachute Brigade

The Serbian 63rd Parachute Brigade is a special forces unit of the Serbian Armed Forces. They specialize in airborne operations, including parachute jumps and air assaults. The 63rd Parachute Brigade has been involved in various conflicts, including the Kosovo War and the War in Bosnia.

A part of the Special brigade. Very well equipped and trained soldiers.

You don't want to mess with them...

The Contenders

United States Army Rangers

The United States Army Rangers are a special operations force of the United States Army. They are trained in airborne and air assault operations, direct action warfare, and reconnaissance. Rangers have been involved in various conflicts, including the War in Afghanistan and the Iraq War.

The Ranger Regiment is working at a consistently higher level than nearly any other operational unit on the planet. There are only a handful of Tier 1 assets across the globe that can boast an equal operational tempo, higher rate of success, or more difficult training cycle than the Regiment.
No other unit is harder to stay in than the Regiment. Others may be harder to get to, but none are as difficult to remain within due to the nature of the training and constant deployment schedule.
The Regiment of "Black Hawk Down" is unrecognizable in terms of the type of mission sets the Regiment is performing today. If people knew just what the Regiment really did today, I think you'd find them well within the top 5 on this and any other list around.
Australian Special Air Service Regiment (SASR)

The Australian Special Air Service Regiment, or SAS, is the special forces unit of the Australian Army. They are trained in counter-terrorism, direct action, and reconnaissance missions. The SAS has been involved in various conflicts, including the War in Afghanistan and the Iraq War.

Aus SAS operations from Vietnam to Afghanistan speak for themselves. This force is highly regarded by British and US special forces commanders and regularly trains side by side. The Aus SAS selection is considered by many to be the toughest on the planet, as it is basically the same as the British selection but in more rugged, hostile, and very hot conditions.
In the absence of a Marine Corps, the Aus SAS also train like the British SBS or US Navy Seals. It staggers belief that they are not listed here in the top 3 to 5, as they have been by military experts in other more thoroughly investigated or official almanacs. Perhaps this is because most of the opinions come from countries with much larger populations and patriotic bias.
British Special Boat Service (SBS)

The British Special Boat Service, or SBS, is the special forces unit of the British Royal Navy. They specialize in maritime operations, including maritime counter-terrorism, sabotage, and intelligence gathering. The SBS has been involved in various conflicts, including the Gulf War and the War in Afghanistan.

The most highly trained amphibious special forces in the world are picked from the same stock as the SAS. They don't get as much publicity but are just as effective and successful. The SEALs are great, but the SBS are the best in this category.
They have been completing missions like Operation Anaconda since 1940, and we've never heard a word of it. The SAS and the SEALs might be the show ponies these days, but the SBS have always been the prize workhorses of the British and NATO special forces.
Easily one of the most difficult trainings to pass, they have great leaders, both currently and historically. They use some very well-made weaponry and equipment. Most of all, they bring all that together to result in success in every arena of combat they are placed in.
German Kommando Spezialkräfte (KSK)

The German Kommando Spezialkräfte, or KSK, is the special forces unit of the German Armed Forces. They are trained to conduct various tasks, including direct action raids, reconnaissance missions, and counter-terrorism operations. The KSK has been involved in various conflicts, including the War in Afghanistan.

Their job is to enter quickly and leave quickly. The road to becoming a KSK Soldier is harsh. To become a KSK soldier, you have to march with full gear through treacherous terrain, swim in water that is around 1 degree Celsius, and walk up a mountain with wet gear and a log on your back, which in total weighs around 50 kg.
After walking up the mountain, they have to make it back to their base, again, jogging with full gear. After all the physical work is done, they have to take a written test which assesses if they can still solve problems while they are exhausted. This week is called "Höllen Woche" in German, or "Hell Week."

The German KSK are an elite commando unit of the German military and cross-train very often with the elite police unit known as GSG 9. The German KSK have been involved in training many other European special forces units and have a high reputation among military leaders around the world.
French Commandos Marine

The French Commandos Marine is a special operations force of the French Navy. They specialize in maritime operations, including amphibious warfare, sabotage, and intelligence gathering. Commandos Marine has been involved in various conflicts, including the Gulf War and the War in Afghanistan.

According to historians (UK historians, actually), France has the best ratio in terms of winning major conflicts. People should remember that we're talking about a major nuclear, diplomatic power, consistently for 300 years. That counts for something.

I went to French Commando School #7 (Trier, Germany). Trained with a platoon of Americans, a platoon of Germans, a platoon of British, and French. Awesome training. Lots of high climbing, rappelling, hand-to-hand, and extreme endurance.

France has actually won more wars than any other nation in history. This is what makes the British and their cousins so angry and disdainful about it.
British Royal Marine Commandos

The British Royal Marine Commandos serve as an amphibious light infantry force within the United Kingdom's naval service. They are trained to operate in diverse environments, including Arctic, jungle, and urban settings. Their duties include expeditionary warfare, rapid deployment tasks, and support to joint military operations.

111 Troop, tough boys with brotherhood and teamwork that fits all situations. Green berets are not easy to get. However, the SAS are in another league, but no one recognizes the SBS as they are undercover and even most Brits have not heard of them.
After the siege in London where the SAS was exposed, the SBS now uses the SAS title as they do not want publicity but just to complete missions. The fact is that Royal Marines are in the top 10, SAS in the top 5, but SBS in the top 2. Seeing this table, it is just wrong.
However, you guys should check out Unit 777 and the Turks. Jesus, they are tough. Out of the two, I would say Unit 777 would wipe them out. They could even potentially join the SBS in the battle for the top 2. Dangerous bunch.
United States Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance (FORECON)

The United States Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance companies conduct deep reconnaissance and direct action missions in support of Marine Air Ground Task Force operations. They are trained to operate behind enemy lines to collect intelligence and perform specialized raids. FORECON units undergo extensive preparation in insertion methods, surveillance, and combat skills.

My father served in the USMC for 26 years. He served in Korea and Vietnam. I swore an oath to defend my country against all enemies, foreign and domestic, in 1979, and I was honorably discharged from the USMC in 1976.
To this day, I am active in all manner of sports, even with two bullets lodged in my spine. I deal with pain and keep moving, and I owe it all to the Marine Corps. I love the Corps!
How we could be rated so low is beyond my comprehension. As an aviator on the CH-53, I was in constant contact with my Force Reconnaissance brothers, and I have watched them in action. They performed flawlessly. Semper Fidelis!

I'm a former 0321, and this is some "fake news" or fake polling. I was in 2nd Force from 1959 to 1967, and I'd stack Marine Recon up against any others. We should certainly be in the top 5. Do some research and read about the training required.
Recently, there was a show on AHC about Force Recon. In my day, Marine Recon did not talk about their missions to the outside world. It just was not done. The story was pretty factual, and I was shocked, so I called a longtime Recon friend to ask if he had seen the program or ever heard of this? He spent 27 years in the Corps and 14 years in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Recon, and his answer was "Hell no."
Just curious, who did this polling? Semper Fidelis.
United States Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU / SEAL Team Six)

The United States Naval Special Warfare Development Group, also known as SEAL Team Six, is a special operations force of the United States Navy. They are trained in counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, and reconnaissance missions. SEAL Team Six has been involved in various conflicts, including the War in Afghanistan and the War on Terror.

SEALs taken to another level. While they focus on antiterrorism, they have the ability to perform any task given to them.
This makes them one of the best, if not the best, in the world.

Unmatched expertise and training. These are the absolute best soldiers in existence, above all others. Their access to the latest information, most advanced and rigorous training, most advanced technology, and America's worldwide military infrastructure put their capabilities above all other special forces units in the world.
German GSG 9

The Grenzschutzgruppe 9, or GSG 9, is a special forces unit of the German Federal Police. They are trained in counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, and special operations. The GSG 9 was founded in 1972 and has been involved in various operations, including the Munich Olympics hostage crisis.

The German special forces are top-notch. Always ready for anything, anytime, anywhere. They have always been on guard and standby at a moment's notice. Definitely the best special forces in Europe, although the British SAS, US Special Forces, and Australian SAS are a tough comparison to go by.
In my view, I see each of these special forces units as being special and having more advantage in their own way. Each has their own strengths. They are not comparable, anyway. They are all allies!

These people are some of the best in the world. They are only law enforcement, but they are better than most armies' special forces in the world. You don't want to be on the wrong side of these guys' barrels. Good luck.
Indonesian Komando Pasukan Khusus (Kopassus)

The Indonesian Special Forces Command, or Kopassus, is the special forces unit of the Indonesian Army. They are trained to carry out unconventional warfare, guerrilla warfare, and counter-terrorism operations. Kopassus has been involved in various conflicts, including the East Timor conflict and the War on Terror.

With its headquarters in Cijantung, East Jakarta, KOPASSUS is considered to be an elite force that has traditionally emphasized its small size and quick-strike potential. It has been involved in numerous military actions in response to internal Indonesian unrest.
KOPASSUS units were involved in 1981 in freeing the hostages from the "Woyla," the Garuda Airline plane hijacked by followers of Imran, leader of an Islamic splinter movement in West Java. Imran forced the plane to land at Don Muang Airport in Thailand. KOPASSUS troops were dispatched to Thailand and brilliantly overwhelmed the hijackers.
Around 90 troops from KOPASSUS were dispatched to Irian Jaya when a rebel group took hostages. They left the province without rescuing the remaining captives in 1996. KOPASSUS members climbed Mount Everest in 1997.
United States Air Force Pararescue

The United States Air Force Pararescue, or PJs, is a special operations force of the United States Air Force. They are trained to provide medical and rescue support during combat and other military operations. The PJs are also trained in combat search and rescue, recovery operations, and survival skills.

Top-tier "Superman" training that even other special forces operators respect. Air, sea, jungle, sand - they're in it, killing bad guys, usually behind enemy lines, and with a primary mission to save your ass at the same time, no matter who you are, how well you were trained, or what the attrition from your program is. If you've needed them, you know this, and how happy you were to see them coming.
The fact that they are trained as equals, treat other operators as equals, and do their job selflessly for the Army, Navy, Marines, fellow Air Force, or foreign friends alike, makes them number one in my book.

Navy SEALs aren't trained in the field of medicine nearly as well as pararescuemen. In fact, no other special forces group in the world is trained as intensely in this field. Pararescue training has a 90% dropout rate, not only due to the physical intensity of the program but also due to the mental demands.
Pararescuemen have to train in every condition and learn not only to survive those conditions to fight, but also to give medical attention to anyone who requires it. "Because even Navy SEALs, Green Berets, and Recon Marines need to call 911." No matter where or when, pararescuemen can save the lives of those trapped under fire and keep them alive, no matter the cost. Field medics meet special forces.
Honestly, pararescuemen are SEALs with medical training. This extra training puts them on top.
United States Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC)

The United States Joint Special Operations Command, or JSOC, is a component command of the United States Special Operations Command. They are responsible for conducting and coordinating special operations missions, including counter-terrorism, reconnaissance, and hostage rescue. JSOC has been involved in various conflicts, including the War in Afghanistan and the War on Terror.

JSOC is composed of the US Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU, aka SEAL Team 6), 1st SFOD-Delta (Delta Force), 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Night Stalkers), and 24th Special Tactics Squadron (24th STS). Each of these units holds Tier 1 status and falls under the command of JSOC. They are without a doubt the most trusted SOF units in the world and are even placed above SAS and SBS in some respects.
Their ultimate, forever claim to fame is the killing of Osama bin Laden, performed mainly by DEVGRU with the assistance of Delta Force and Night Stalkers, accompanied by 24th STS. Not much is known about these few select men, but what is known makes insurgent groups check their closets at night and makes jihadists, crime cartels, and mafia organizations tremble in their underwear.
United States Marine Corps Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO)

ANGLICO teams provide coordination of close air support, artillery, and naval gunfire for U.S. and allied units. They specialize in integrating fires for forces that lack their own fire-support capability. The unit's members are trained in joint terminal attack control and communication systems to support combined operations.

They are the most highly trained force in the world. They have a longer boot camp than any of the other three branches in the United States military. They are skilled in many different kinds of martial arts.
I would pit a United States Marine Sergeant against a Navy SEAL any day of the week. They were the first to respond to the call in the Pacific after Pearl Harbor. Marines are who you send in when the Army just won't cut it.
Born in 1775, they are the smallest but the most well-trained warriors on Earth.

The most elite fire support team in the world. They have the unique U.S. Department of Defense distinction of calling in strikes from air, land, and sea.
Russian Alpha Group (Spetsgruppa "A")

The Alpha Group is a special forces unit of the Russian Federal Security Service. They are trained in counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, and direct action missions. The Alpha Group has been involved in various conflicts, including the War in Afghanistan and the Chechen Wars.

I have no idea how Alpha Group, the group that is an elite part of the already elite Spetsnaz, is ranked so far below the Spetsnaz. The French GIGN also deserves a better rank as well.

Honestly, all I have heard about Alpha Group is that they shut down the power in a part of Ukraine for training.
Israeli Sayeret Matkal

Sayeret Matkal is a special forces unit of the Israel Defense Forces. They are trained in direct action, hostage rescue, and intelligence gathering. Sayeret Matkal has been involved in various conflicts, including the Gulf War and the War on Terror. They are also known for their involvement in Operation Entebbe, a successful hostage rescue mission in Uganda in 1976.

I totally agree. As an Indian, I feel the Israeli spec ops unit should have been on the list. Traditionally, Israel is a commando nation, and their doctrine is accepted by both SEALs and our spec ops units. They live in an environment where they get to hone their skills in battle.
Without an iota of doubt, both Sayeret Matkal and Shayetet 13 are among the most elite units. The naval commandos are dominated by the SBS, Shayetet 13, SEALs, and MARCOS. All the rest of the units have derived their curriculum from these units. Sayeret Matkal needs no comparison. Mossad selects these operatives, period.

I am in the Israeli army and I have tried out for both Sayeret Matkal and Shayetet 13. From what I have done in their training and what I know about the units, I would say Sayeret Matkal is better trained than Shayetet 13 and is extremely secretive with their identities. They train side by side with the British SAS and are known to complete missions of extreme danger and complexity.
They are by far one of the best units this world has to offer. Any terrorist having Sayeret Matkal looking for them has an almost inevitable death. Israelis train for years for the chance to just get the tryout for this elite special force. I am currently in the Sayeret Egoz unit of the Golani Brigade in the IDF. I dropped to that special force after completing, but not making the cut for, Sayeret Matkal.