Jammu: The corps of Army Air Defense today celebrated its 22nd Raising Day at the headquarters of the Northern Command of the Army at Udhampur.
"The youngest arm of Indian Army, Corps of Army Air Defense (AAD) celebrated its 22 Raising Day on Saturday at HQ Northern command. AAD was carved out of Indian Field Artillery on January 10, 1994," Defense PRO Col SD Goswami said.
He said the Army Air Defense in India traces its origins to 1939 in when anti-aircraft units were raised to counter Japanese air threat.
"Post Independence, it remained a part of the Regiment of Artillery and later bifurcated as a separate arm. Today, the Corps is at a critical juncture of transforming into a modern and technologically enabled force," he said.
Army commander, Northern Command, Lt Gen DS Hooda exhorted the air defense gunners to strive for excellence on the occasion.
"Sena Vayu Rakshaks have always lived up to their illustrious motto of 'Akashe Shatrun Jahi', AAD has been dedicated to keep the country's skies free of enemy intrusions. AAD units have also been active in nation building and disaster management activities," he said.
The history of the Corps is adorned by four Battle Honours, two Ashok Chakras, four Kirti Chakras, 21 Vir Chakras, 9 Shaurya Chakras and 106 Sena Medal.
