Twentyseven Air Defence Regiment (Amritsar Airfield) completed sixtyone years of dedicated service to the nation on February 1, last. The regiment was raised in 1942 by Lt Col H T Hogan at Malir Cantonment (now in Pakistan).

The regiment has had a chequered past being the second oldest Air Defence regiment of the nation. It has carved a niche for itself in the Corps of Air Defence Artillery. It has the rare honour of being the highest decorated Air Defence Regiment.

Since its inception, the regiment has participated in a number of operations. It was awarded the honour title 'Amritsar Airfield' for its exemplary performance in the 1971 operations. It has also been awarded the unit appreciation by GOC-in-C Northern Command for its commendable performance during its deployment on the Line of Control in the Kupwara and Kargil sectors of Jammu and Kashmir from October 1997 to January 2000.

The regiment actively participated in operation Rakshak in Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir. The regiment has on a number of occasions extended assistance to civil authorities. Many precious lives were saved during the earthquake which shook the state of Gujarat in 2001. It rescued people during Gujarat riots in the year 2002. The regiment has an impressive tally of honours and awards including five Vir Chakra and five Sena Medals.

The sixtyfirst raising day was celebrated as Diamond Jubilee Plus as the raising day could not be held due to operation Parakram. A number of events were organised which were attended by many serving and retired officers, JCOs and Other Ranks of the regiment.