Definition of Air defense artillery

The U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery was changed from Anti-Aircraft Artillery (part of the Field Artillery), into a separate branch on On 20 June 1968. On 1 December 1968, the ADA branch was authorized to wear modified Artillery insignia, crossed field guns with missile.

Anti-aircraft warfare, or air defence, is any method of engaging military aircraft in combat from the ground. Various guns and cannons have been used in this role since the first military aircraft were used in World War I, growing in power and accuracy over the years. Starting in the post-World War II era, the guns were joined by the guided missile, specifically the "surface-to-air missile", and today both are used in combination in most roles.