President’s Colours for Army’s Air Defence wing

Unit completes 25 years

Gopalpur: President Ram Nath Kovind during a ceremony to award the President's Colours to the Corps of Army Air Defence in Gopalpur, Odisha, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019. (PTI Photo)(PTI9_28_2019_000086B)

President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday awarded President’s Colours to the Corps of Army Air Defence at Odisha’s Gopalpur military station.

President’s Colours is the highest honour bestowed upon a regiment of the Indian Armed Forces in recognition of invaluable contributions to the security of the nation during peace and hostility. It was presented on the completion of 25 years of the Army Air Defence as an independent arm of the Army. It was received by the Army Air Defence Centre on behalf of the Corps of Army Air Defence.

Glorious legacy

The President, in his address, recalled the glorious legacy of Indian Armed Forces in protecting the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the nation in general and the Corps of Army Air Defence in particular.

Air Defence came into existence in 1940 as part of Corps of Artillery. In 1994 it was bifurcated from the Regiment of Artillery. Its troops had shown valour during World War II in various operations and won gallantry awards, namely four Military Crosses, one Medal of the British Empire, seven Indian Distinguished Service Medals and two Orders of the British Empire.