Role of the IAF in the Indo-Pakistan War of 1965

Background

The 1965 war was the second major conflict between India and Pakistan after the partition of British India in 1947. It was triggered by Pakistan's attempt to infiltrate its troops into Indian territory in Kashmir. The Indian Army launched a counteroffensive, and the war escalated into a full-blown conflict. It's first phase went from 8 April to 30 June 1965 whereas the second phase lasted from 5 August to 23 September, 1965.

Role of the IAF

The IAF’s role was providing air support to the ground troops and attacking enemy targets deep inside Pakistani territory. Our Air Force had a numerical disadvantage as compared to the Pakistani Air Force (PAF), which had a larger fleet of more advanced aircraft. However, the IAF pilots compensated for the numerical disadvantage by their skill and determination.

Their first task was to establish air superiority over the battlefield. The PAF had launched a preemptive strike on Indian air bases on the morning of September 1, 1965, but the IAF managed to recover quickly and launched a counterattack. They destroyed several PAF aircraft on the ground and in the air, gaining the upper hand in the initial phase of the war.

The IAF also played a crucial role in providing close air support to the ground troops. Their helicopters evacuated wounded soldiers from the battlefield, and its transport aircraft airlifted troops and supplies to the forward areas. The IAF's reconnaissance aircraft provided valuable intelligence to the ground forces, helping them to plan their operations.

The Indian Air Force also carried out deep penetration strikes against Pakistani targets, including airfields, radar installations, and ammunition depots. Their attacks disrupted the PAF's operations and weakened its ability to mount a sustained offensive. The IAF also carried out attacks on the Pakistani army's supply lines, damaging its logistics and reducing its capacity to sustain its offensive.

Impact of the IAF's Role

The IAF's role significantly helped in turning the tide of the war in India's favor. Their ability to gain air superiority and provide close air support to the ground troops gave the Indian Army a decisive advantage. The IAF's attacks on Pakistani targets weakened the PAF's ability to launch a sustained offensive, and its attacks on the Pakistani army's supply lines disrupted its logistics, reducing its capacity to sustain its offensive.

The IAF's performance in the 1965 war demonstrated its capabilities and established its reputation as a professional and effective air force. The war also highlighted the need for modernisation and expansion of the IAF's capabilities, which led to the acquisition of more advanced aircraft and weapons systems.

Conclusion

The Indo-Pakistan War of 1965 marked a pivotal moment in the history of the Indian Air Force, as it demonstrated its capacity to establish air superiority, deliver close air support, and execute deep penetration strikes that were instrumental in shifting the tide of the conflict towards India's favour. The war served as a testament to the IAF's professionalism and effectiveness, and emphasised the necessity of upgrading and expanding its capabilities, a process that has been ongoing ever since.