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. About the Author Col Mandeep Singh, a veteran Air Defence Gunner, is a prolific writer and has authored five books on Air Defence Artillery, including the history of Air Defence Artillery during World War II and the India-Pakistan War of 1965. His other works include the Anti-Aircraft Artillery in Combat 1950-1972; Air Defence Artillery in Combat 1972 to Present, and History of Indian Air Defence Artillery, 1940-1945.