Probably not. IAF was not at all used in the 1962 war and would have been fully available for responding to the attack.
It is highly unlikely that the IAF would have performed any better in 1962 than in 1965, where their performance was pretty mediocre especially in contrast to the PAF. In 1962 they probably would've been worse, especially if the PLA/AF was involved. The IAF was not deployed because of an underestimation of enemy intents and capabilities. In 1965 the Indians caught us of guard by invading across the International Border because they were smarting from the Rann of Kutch and 1962 affairs. Indian war plans in 1962 might have been very different, and Pakistan much more prepared given the directness of our objectives and India lacking all the equipment received after the 1962 defeat.
Interesting point, I would argue though PAF would go head to head with IAF and Pakistani ground troops could have engaged in a major operation to capture Indian occupied Kashmir and attack Indian troop position...
This would put a severe and very painful strain on the Indian military, as you know it would be very difficult for India especially in 1962 to fight a War on two fronts against two very hostile enemies Pakistan and China simultaneously.
Yes, we can make conjectures. As I said, I don't believe the Pakistan military was ready for a war yet. There has been no alternate explanations to this most obvious logic that have been forthcoming from you guys.
It is highly unlikely that the IAF would have performed any better in 1962 than in 1965, where their performance was pretty mediocre especially in contrast to the PAF. In 1962 they probably would've been worse, especially if the PLA/AF was involved.
This is one of the big myths that you have. Same as the myth of India being the aggressor in 1965. India only retaliated Pakistan's aggression in Kashmir.
I know that Pakistan had the better planes in 1965. When they were inducted, I am not sure. If not in 1962 then the argument falls flat on it's face.
Also there has to be a reason why the smaller, slower, India made Gnats were called "Sabre killers" after the war. It was not one sided as you guys have been led to believe. The same belief that became self perpetuating and even institutionalized even in the PAF and cost Pakistan dear in 1971!
But I see that people are still putting spin on what happened in 1971 and especially the air war of 1971! So I guess, people don't want the small inconvenience of mere facts to distract them from what they would dearly like to believe.
The IAF was not deployed because of an underestimation of enemy intents and capabilities.
Not true. It seems unbelievable but it was done not to escalate the situation!
In 1965 the Indians caught us of guard by invading across the International Border because they were smarting from the Rann of Kutch and 1962 affairs.
I thought India crossed the border in response to Operation Gibralter.
Mr. Ayub had got too confident after the events of Rann of Kutch and Bhutto was spoiling for a war too. You got what you wanted.
If Pakistan was caught "off guard" after initiating Gibralter, it shows incompetence of the highest order!
I know that some in Pakistan were also caught "off guard" at the intensity of Indian response after doing Kargil! Difficult to believe but they seem to want to decide not only their actions and also the extent of Indian reactions to their provocations!
When things don't go as per the script, they are caught "off guard" and complain bitterly!
