No. 501 Signal Unit, IAF
{{Orphan|date=December 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=November 2017}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name = No. 501 Signal Unit
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| dates = 5 October 1964 – present
| country = {{flagicon|India}} Republic of India
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| branch = {{air force|India}}
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| garrison = Barnala AFS
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No. 501 Signal Unit is an Indian Air Force Signal Unit based at Barnala Air Force Station in Barnala, Punjab State, India.{{Cite web|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/Units/501%20SU|title=501 Signal Unit, Indian Air Force – Database|website=Bharat Rakshak|language=en-US|access-date=2017-11-02}}{{Cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/two-iaf-units-to-get-presidents-standard-in-ambala-on-nov-10-3738211/|title=Two IAF units to get President’s Standard in Ambala on Nov 10|date=2016-11-05|work=The Indian Express|access-date=2017-11-02|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=153489|title=Award of President's standard to 501 Signal unit and 30 Squadron on 10 Nov 16|website=pib.nic.in|access-date=2017-11-02}}{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/2-Indian-Air-Force-units-to-receive-prestigious-Presidential-Standard/articleshow/55249345.cms|title=2 Indian Air Force units to receive prestigious Presidential Standard |work=The Times of India|access-date=2017-11-02}}
History
The unit was raised on 5 October 1964 at 9 Wing of the Indian Air Force. In May 1965, it was shifted to Barnala and started operating the Star Sapphire radar. The unit converted to the THD radar in January 1981.
In September 1982, it was renamed to 42 Signal Unit and was nicknamed Madbees (Master of Air Defence Barnala). In September 1991, it reverted to its original name of 501 Signal Unit.
The unit was awarded the presidential standard on 10 November 2016.
= Equipment =
- Star Sapphire radar
- THD radar