Over five decades after the 1971 India-Pakistan war, the Indian Air Force (IAF) recalls the massive offensive it launched on the second day of the war, targeting enemy airfields and radar stations with unparalleled precision.
As the dawn broke on Day 2 of the 1971 India-Pakistan war, the IAF’s fighter force was unleashed with a total of 118 counter-air sorties conducted in the western sector. Kurmitola and Tezgaon in the east felt the brunt of the assault, with Kilo Flight adding to the onslaught by setting oil installations ablaze.
Operating at the extreme limits of their Radii of Action, Hunter aircraft from Jamnagar executed a daring strike on Karachi at 0850 hrs. The oil farms at Kiamari were set ablaze, illuminating the Karachi area and setting the stage for a follow-up attack by the Indian Navy.
Air-land operations unfolded across the front lines, with 109 sorties conducted in the 1st, 11th, and 15th Corps Sectors. Changa Manga, a key target, faced renewed attacks as six AN-12s dropped a staggering 66,000 lbs of munitions, leaving destruction in their wake.
Maritime reconnaissance missions further amplified India’s strategic reach, with flights launched from Bombay and Cochin. In a pivotal moment, the IAF Super Constellation spotted the Pak merchant ship, Maqbool Baksh, approximately 375 nautical miles from Bombay. This critical sighting prompted immediate action from the Indian Navy, dispatching a ship to intercept and neutralize the potential threat.
The IAF’s coordinated and multifaceted approach showcased not only its air superiority but also its seamless integration with other branches of the armed forces.
Day 2 of the conflict marked a significant chapter, underlining the IAF’s commitment to national defense and its ability to strike deep into enemy territory. The Indian Navy’s prompt response to potential threats at sea further emphasized the unified strength of India’s military forces.