5th Armoured Regiment (India)

5 Armoured Regiment was raised on 1 December, 1983 at Jodhpur, Rajasthan.[2] The first commanding officer of the regiment was Lieutenant Colonel J.P.S. Hanspal.[2]

The Regiment was initially equipped with Vijayanta tanks. It became the first regiment of the Indian Army to be equipped with T-90 tanks in 2002.[3] It is also affiliated to INS Shardul, an amphibious ship of the Indian Navy.[4]

The first Colonel of the Regiment was Lieutenant General M. Mayadas.[2] Other Colonels have been Lieutenant General MS Shergill, Major General G.S. Malhi and Lieutenant General AK Singh.[3] The regiment celebrated its silver jubilee in 2008.

On 27 November, 2011, the regiment was awarded the ‘President’s Standards’ by Mrs Pratibha Patil, then President of India in Patiala. 5 Armoured Regiment along with 70, 73, 74 Armoured Regiments and 6 Lancers of the 1 Armoured Division were presented the colours.[5][6]

The regiment has participated in Operation Trident, Operation Vijay and Operation Parakram.

The cap badge consists of a pair of crossed lances with pennons in the Regimental Colours. The numeral 5 topped by a mailed fist rests on the crossing point of the lances. A scroll in Devanagari at the bottom has the regimental motto निस्चय और विजय (Nischay aur Vijay, Determination and Victory). The shoulder title plain numeral 5 in brass on a black quadrilateral metal backing.[2]

The Regimental Colours are Satin Blue, White and Black symbolising Compassion, Purity & Tranquility and Strength of Steel respectively.