In a significant move to reinforce combat preparedness, Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh, Army Commander of the South Western Command, conducted a comprehensive review of the Corps of Army Air Defence (AAD), known as “The Valiant Wings.” The evaluation focused on the unit’s technological integration, professional standards, and mission-oriented readiness.
During the visit, General Singh lauded the Corps for its exemplary performance and specifically praised its contribution to Operation Sindoor. The operation, a high-precision strike against terrorist infrastructure, highlighted AAD’s crucial role in defending Indian airspace and supporting modern counter-terrorism efforts.
The Corps of Army Air Defence, which became an autonomous force in 1994, traces its roots to the Second World War when it was formed to counter aerial threats. Over time, it has transformed into a cutting-edge defensive arm, bolstered by the Army Air Defence College in Gopalpur. This premier institution is instrumental in training personnel in advanced air defence artillery and missile systems.
General Singh’s review aligns with the Indian Army’s broader ‘Decade of Transformation’ initiative, aimed at enhancing operational capabilities and embracing advanced technology across its ranks. The South Western Command’s emphasis on such strategic evaluations ensures that units like the AAD continue to evolve in response to dynamic security challenges.
This development reflects the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to a proactive defence posture, continuous improvement, and maintaining technological superiority in the face of emerging threats.
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Title:
South Western Command Reviews Combat Readiness of Army Air Defence Corps
Subtitle:
Lt Gen Manjinder Singh applauds AAD’s performance in Op Sindoor and stresses technological advancement and preparedness under the ‘Decade of Transformation’
Body:
Jaipur, Rajasthan – In a key step towards reinforcing India’s defensive capabilities, Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the South Western Command, recently undertook a detailed review of the combat readiness of the Corps of Army Air Defence (AAD), also known as “The Valiant Wings.” The review focused on the Corps’ ability to respond to evolving aerial threats, its effective use of modern technologies, and its preparedness in line with the Indian Army’s overarching vision of transformation and future readiness.
During the review, General Singh was briefed on the operational capabilities, deployment strategies, and recent technological enhancements incorporated by the AAD units. He commended the Corps for its unwavering professionalism and innovative approaches, particularly its role in recent operations such as “Op Sindoor.” This high-precision counter-terror operation involved surgical air strikes on terrorist infrastructure, showcasing the AAD’s critical role in securing Indian airspace from hostile aerial incursions, including drones, UAVs, and manned aircraft.
The Army Commander praised the synergy between the AAD and other branches of the Indian Armed Forces, noting that joint operational effectiveness has become increasingly vital in modern warfare. He emphasized the need for continuous modernization of defence systems, integration of artificial intelligence and automation in surveillance and targeting, and the importance of rapid response mechanisms to tackle asymmetric threats.
The Corps of Army Air Defence has a storied legacy that dates back to the Second World War, when it was originally created to address aerial threats to the Indian subcontinent. Its transformation into an autonomous corps in 1994 marked a significant milestone, enabling it to focus exclusively on developing and maintaining India’s ground-based air defence infrastructure. Today, the Corps is responsible for defending critical military and civilian infrastructure from air attacks across diverse terrains and in various combat scenarios.
A key pillar in the Corps’ operational and training excellence is the Army Air Defence College, located in Gopalpur, Odisha. Recognized as one of the finest air defence training institutions in Asia, the college trains officers and soldiers in the operation and deployment of sophisticated air defence artillery and guided missile systems. The institution also plays a major role in promoting research, simulation-based training, and the testing of emerging air defence technologies.
General Singh’s review forms part of a wider initiative under the Indian Army’s “Decade of Transformation” roadmap. This ambitious programme seeks to revolutionize the Army’s operational preparedness by embracing cutting-edge technology, enhancing interoperability, and fostering a culture of innovation and agility. As part of this vision, regular and rigorous evaluations of combat units, such as the AAD, ensure that the force remains one step ahead of potential adversaries.
The visit concluded with General Singh reiterating the Indian Army’s commitment to building a future-ready force capable of addressing traditional and non-traditional threats. He stressed that the Army’s strength lies not only in its weapons and systems but also in its people – disciplined, skilled, and deeply motivated to protect the sovereignty of the nation.
This review serves as a reaffirmation of the Indian Army’s determination to uphold a robust and responsive air defence posture. By combining time-tested military traditions with forward-looking strategies and technologies, the Corps of Army Air Defence continues to stand as a formidable shield against aerial threats, ever ready to defend the skies above India.
