New Delhi: The 1971 India-Pakistan war, particularly the role of the Indian Air Force (IAF), continues to be a subject of interest and debate, especially on 16 December or Vijay Diwas.
The IAF’s contributions, particularly in the western sector, have not received the attention they deserve, compared to the more discussed eastern sector. The war saw the IAF executing crucial operations to support ground forces and weaken the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), which was positioned in the west to delay India’s advance into East Pakistan.
A key moment in the conflict came on 14 December, 1971, when Flight Lieutenant Hemant Sardesai—who was awarded the Veer Chakra—participated in a daring daytime rocket strike on Dhaka’s Governor’s House. This mission, part of a coordinated effort to demoralise Pakistani leadership, led to Pakistan’s decision to surrender soon after.
While the eastern sector saw a swift IAF dominance, the western sector posed more challenges. IAF achieved air superiority there by the third day of the war, thanks to a favourable numerical advantage (10:1), but the PAF managed to remain a credible force due to its defensive tactics, such as avoiding direct confrontations with superior IAF forces.
Indian Air Marshal Dipendu Chowdhury’s research highlights the strategic importance of the western sector, emphasising IAF’s role in achieving a “favourable air situation” rather than outright air superiority. IAF’s operations included air defence, counter-air strikes, and support for ground and naval forces, despite Pakistan receiving reinforcements from external sources, like China and Saudi Arabia.
The IAF’s combat sorties in the west totalled 4,509, with 41 percent focused on maintaining air defence, and smaller portions dedicated to countering PAF airbases and executing strategic strikes on key Pakistani infrastructure. Despite facing challenges, such as limited resources and reinforcements, the IAF played a vital role in neutralising the PAF’s effectiveness, facilitating India’s broader military objectives and the eventual victory.
In Episode 1573 of #CutTheClutter, ThePrint’s Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta looks at the 1971 Indo-Pak war and IAF’s role in supporting ground forces and weakening Pakistan Air Force, which was positioned in the west to delay Indian advance.
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