Air Defence Gunners at War: India-Pakistan War 1971

The India-Pakistan War of 1971 was the third round between the two South Asian neighbours, but this war was different in many ways from the earlier conflicts. It was not a long drawn slugfest as the three services operated together in perfect sync in what was a lightning campaign that ended with a clear victory for India and the liberation of Bangladesh. It was a victory made possible by the contributions of all arms and services. As the war started on 3 December with the pre-emptive strikes by the Pakistani Air Force, Air Defence Gunners were the first to fire. Throughout the fourteen day campaign, the Air Defence Artillery played a vital role, from ensuring the defence of strategic assets to defending the field formations from enemy air attacks.