ARMY AIR DEFENCE- NEED FOR ENHANCEMENTS

The AAD is at present a very formidable force. But, there are capability gaps and equipment shortfalls that need to be addressed immediately, explains SANJAY BADRI MAHARAJ

- SANJAY BADRI MAHARAJ

In November 1988, the Indian Army, Air Force and Navy conducted a highly effective out of area operation to preserve the government of the Maldives which was facing a determined assault by a group of armed mercenaries on behalf of a disgruntled local businessman.

The British in early 1940s brought the concept of using the reserve Territorial Army (TA) for static AD to India and established 1 Indian Tech Training Battery at Colaba, Mumbai on September 14, 1940. It was, however, Japanese air threat during World War-2 which forced the British to raise AD units in India. Thus, the history of AD artillery in India began 1939 onwards when a few Indian troops began to be trained in the use of the 3-inch gun and later the 40mm L/60 gun as part of the AA batteries of Hongkong and Singapore Royal Artillery (HKSRA) and Indian artillery. The static role for high AD was given to heavy AA units and the mobile tasks were given to light AA units. At the time of partition only two AD artillery units viz 26 LAA and 27 LAA Regtments came to India, 26 LAA Regiment being the oldest continuing unit.

The post-1947 army inherited its AD system from the British who left a large quantity of Bofors 40mm L/60 guns and 3.7inch heavy anti-aircraft guns of WW-II vintage when they left India. Post-independence, air power was still in its infancy in India as well as across its borders. The army was, thus, totally clueless as what to do with its AD inheritance, hence, the status quo was maintained. However, as the L/70 gun was becoming obsolete, the search for its successor began and the L-70 was selected.