10 Facts About GIGN

The GIGN was initially created as a relatively small tactical unit specialized in sensitive hostage situations, but has since grown into a larger force with expanded responsibilities and capabilities.

Since its formation, the GIGN has been involved in over 1,800 missions and has rescued more than 600 hostages, making it one of the most experienced counter-terrorism units in the world.

In December 1994, the GIGN rose to worldwide prominence after its operatives successfully stormed Air France Flight 8969, which had been hijacked by the Armed Islamic Group of Algeria at Marseille Provence Airport; all four hijackers were killed in the assault.

GIGN was formed in, near Paris, in 1973, in the wake of the Munich massacre and other less well-known events in France.

Coordination between GIGN and RAID, the National Police elite team, is handled by a joint organization called Ucofi.

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In January 2015, GIGN was engaged for the very first time simultaneously with RAID, the National Police tactical unit, during the January 2015 Ile-de-France attacks.

On 1 August 2021, the 14 local "GIGN branches" were fully integrated in the group's organization as part of a new Force Antennes.

GIGN is a member of the European ATLAS Network, an informal association consisting of the special police units of the 27 states of the European Union.

GIGN was selected by the International Civil Aviation Organisation to organise hostage-rescue exercises aboard planes for the special forces of the other member states.

GIGN is known to train with some of the best counter-terrorist units in the world.