During a recent session in Lok Sabha, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Nishikant Dubey sparked a discussion by bringing up the number of aircraft India lost in the wars of 1965 and 1971. Dubey questioned the need for details regarding supposed losses in "Operation Sindoor," referencing the previous conflicts and highlighting the sacrifices made for the nation.
Dubey's statements put a spotlight back on the aerial warfare aspects of these key historical events. Here's a look at the air battles, losses, and outcomes of the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak conflicts:
Indo-Pakistani War of 1965
The 1965 war saw the first large-scale aerial engagements between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). The conflict began after Pakistan launched "Operation Gibraltar" in Jammu and Kashmir. The PAF then initiated "Operation Grand Slam," and the IAF responded with "Operation Riddle".
Both sides made claims of victory in the air war, but the actual outcome was more of a stalemate. Pakistan claimed to have shot down 104 Indian aircraft while losing only 19 of its own. India, on the other hand, claimed to have destroyed 73 Pakistani aircraft, while admitting to losing 35. Neutral sources suggest that the IAF lost between 60 and 75 aircraft, while the PAF lost approximately 20. According to the Indian Defence Ministry, the IAF lost 59 aircraft (12.8% of its fleet), with 35 of those lost on the ground due to poor preparedness for PAF bombing raids.
Several factors contributed to the losses on both sides. The IAF, despite having a larger fleet, faced challenges with a diverse mix of aircraft, which complicated training, maintenance, and logistics. Pakistan, having received modern American equipment, had a more streamlined fleet. The PAF also had experienced pilots and a "decade's experience with the Sabre".
Early in the war, the PAF achieved some success with strikes on Indian air bases, such as Pathankot, destroying several aircraft on the ground. However, the IAF retaliated by bombing PAF bases. After heavy attrition rates on both sides, large-scale daylight air strikes were suspended.
Indo-Pakistani War of 1971
The Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 resulted in a decisive Indian victory and the creation of Bangladesh. The air war played a crucial role in shaping the outcome.
In the Eastern theater, the IAF quickly gained complete air superiority. The PAF's Eastern Air Command was significantly smaller, with only one fighter squadron of 19 F-86F and Canadair Sabres stationed in Dhaka. By December 4th, only 16 of these were operational. The IAF deployed around 10 fighter squadrons, one ground attack squadron (Su-7s), and one heavy bomber squadron (Canberra) to its Eastern Air Command.
The IAF's initial strategy focused on decimating the PAF in East Pakistan. Within three days, the IAF had effectively destroyed any potential resistance from the PAF in the East.
On the Western front, the IAF's primary focus was on supporting land forces and striking forward PAF bases. One notable operation was the Battle of Longewala, where IAF Hawker Hunter aircraft destroyed or damaged numerous Pakistani tanks. The IAF also conducted a successful air raid on Murid air base, destroying five Sabre jets on the ground.
Official figures state the IAF lost 45 aircraft, while Pakistan lost 94. Other sources place IAF losses at around 65, compared to approximately 75 for the PAF. According to some reports, revised figures put the IAF losses at 75 on both the Eastern and Western fronts.
The 1971 air war demonstrated advancements in aerial warfare tactics. India's strategic use of air power was a major factor in Pakistan's surrender.
Nishikant Dubey's raising of the aircraft loss figures in Lok Sabha has served to bring renewed attention to the aerial conflicts of 1965 and 1971, highlighting the strategic importance of air power in these wars and the sacrifices made by the air forces of both nations.
