401 Light AD Regiment (Composite) explained

Unit Name:	401 Light Air Defence Regiment (Composite)
Dates:	1988 – present
Country:	India
Allegiance:	India
Branch:	Indian Army
Type:	Corps of Army Air Defence
Size:	Regiment
Motto:	आकाशे शत्रुन् जहि (Defeat the Enemy in the Sky)^[1]
Colors:	Sky Blue and Red

401 Light Air Defence Regiment (Composite) (401 Lt AD Regt (Comp)) is an Air Defence regiment of the Indian Army.

Formation

401 Light AD Regiment (Composite) was raised at Madhopur on 1 June 1988 by Colonel RK Verma.^[2]

History

At raising, the regiment was equipped with ZU-23-2B anti-aircraft twin-barreled autocannons as its main equipment. The unit became a composite regiment in 1992.^[2]

LocationsThe regiment has varied tenures in high altitude, field, modified field, counter insurgency and peace stations at Udhampur, Nasirabad, Ferozepur, Leh, Siachen, Bangalore, Lalgarh Jattan, Pathankot, Gandhidham and Jodhpur.^[2]

Operations:The Regiment has participated in Operation Blackrose, Operation Rakshak I (Jammu and Kashmir), Operation Meghdoot, Operation Rakshak II (Punjab), Operation Dalunag, Operation Vijay and Operation Rakshak III.

The regiment was awarded the General Officer Commanding in Chief’s (Northern Command) unit appreciation for its tenure in Siachen-Kargil sector between 1997-99. The regiment has won 3 Sena Medals, 2 COAS Commendation Cards and 46 GOC-in-C Commendation Cards.^[2]

Notes and References

1. Web site: 25th Raising Day. 2012-07-12. 2021-02-17.
2. Web site: 401 AD Silver Jubille-Indian Army Postal Cover . 2021-02-15.