The 27 Air Defence Regiment (Amritsar Airfield) got an excellent opportunity to prove its mettle and revive its glorious past when it got inducted into the Valley in October 1997. The Thambis of the unit were in high spirits as they went through a rigorous pre-induction training and got themselves prepared mentally and physically. On induction, the unit was immediately launched into proxy war. Hot operational tasks and tasks related to the security of the old airfield cantonment were also taken over. In the end of May 1999, the entire regiment was inducted into operation Vijay.

Battling proxy war (operation Rakshak-II) the regiment carried out convoy protection on Banihal-Srinagar and Sringar-Sonamarg routes. The transient convoy composed of 50 vehicles a day. The Thambis took their task seriously and led the convoy incident-free throughout the tenure. Difficult terrain condition, snowfall, rain or road blocks did not dampen the spirit of the brave soldiers. Capt DP Sahoo was awarded GOC-in-C Commendation Card for exemplary performance as convoy protection commander.

Road opening patrol duties were carried out from old airfield to Rawalpura crossing. Much before daybreak, the Thambis used to be on the street having cleared the roads from any kind of threat. The unit also carried out local convoy protection and provided barrier guard playing an important role towards the internal security of old airfield complex. Sub A Palani and L/Hav Tayagarajan were awarded GOC-in-C Commendation Cards for their exemplary performance at sub area.

When the regiment was inducted into the Valley, there were only two L/70 guns deployed along the Line of Control in ground role. The regiment got the honour of deploying seven more L/70 guns on the Line of Control. Extensive reconnaissance was carried out along the 560 km Line of Control and suitable places were selected. Finally came the horrendous task of dismantling and carriage of the guns to its location. The parts had to be carried by helicopters, porters and mules. Most of the movement had to be carried out at night since all the gun positions were under enemy observation.

No sooner did the Thambis place the guns inside the bunkers than they started pinning down enemy with their effective fire. The guns effectively interdicted the movement of enemy convoys during day and enemy had to resort to trickle movement of vehicle at night only. The Thambis proved their sharp shooting ability when they destroyed two of enemy bunkers with their effective fire and destroyed one enemy vehicle. Hav Shankar Hulloli and Hav V Namasivayam who were manning the posts were awarded the GOC-in-C Commendation Cards for showing exemplary devotion to duty.

For the effective role in no-war-no-peace task, the regiment was awarded the GOC-in-C Commendation Card.