Flash Back Air War 1971.

[Windjammer]

Today is the 3rd of December, Thirty nine years ago on this day in 1971, Pakistan launched a counter attack in the Western Sector with air strikes against several forward Indian air bases. Sometimes termed as pre-emptive strikes, this terminology is something of a misnomer as the war in earnest had already started in East Pakistan in the last week of November including several air combats between the IAF and PAF, with casualties on both sides. However, since then much has been said and written by historians on both sides of the border, but how did the Western observers analysed and reported the air war of 1971 makes an interesting read. From my valuable collection, the following is an article which appeared in an aviation magazine soon after the war. I am sure it will enlighten some of you.

 

[Windjammer]

 

[Windjammer]

 

[Windjammer]

A Comparison between the 1965 and 1971 Air Effort.

 

[Comet]

Thanks for such a good post.

 

[Windjammer]

A rare image of the 1971 war, an IAF MIG-21 seen through the gun sight of a PAF aircraft.

 

[nightrider_saulat]

i think it was hit by F-6(MIG-19 farmer)

 

[Muradk]

A rare image of the 1971 war, an IAF MIG-21 seen through the gun sight of a PAF aircraft.

This shot was taken by non other than Flt. Lt. Amir Ali Shariff on 14th Dec he was in 11 SQD flying F-6. The kill was inside IAS

 

[Aslan]

This shot was taken by non other than Flt. Lt. Amir Ali Shariff on 14th Dec he was in 11 SQD flying F-6. The kill was inside IAS

WB Sir Ji, nice to see u back. How are u feeling now.

 

[Windjammer]

This shot was taken by non other than Flt. Lt. Amir Ali Shariff on 14th Dec he was in 11 SQD flying F-6. The kill was inside IAS

That's correct, the kill was achieved over Shakargar area, another MIG-21 was shot down on 17th December by Flt. Lt. Maqsood Amir flying in an F-86.
Ironically it has emerged that yet another MIG-21 was shot down in air combat by No. 14 Sqn in the Eastern sector, again by an F-86.

 

[chindit]

Ironically it has emerged that yet another MIG-21 was shot down in air combat by No. 14 Sqn in the Eastern sector, again by an F-86.

Emerged from where? Source for the claim? Who shot it down? What was the name of the Indian Pilot who was shot down ? What was the date, place, time of shoot down? you know.. the details would help

 

[comrade uraa]

good job windjammer! and for the refusing indians the names of the killier pilots is given in the list, and as far as names of indian pilots is concered tat goes for india more than pakistan as many pilots lik manfred von richthofin and gorgeous get lost and r not none wen until their country confirms their names. many pilots r burnt beyong recognition lik bhagath and brar,the two hunter pilots shot down by sq/ldr/m m alam in 1965 on 7 sep. and were confirmed by indians themselves first to b lost,especially sq/ldr/zacharia and sinha the two who managed to pull away frm the air battle. places of shootdown r also given and so r the dates. so no confusion.

 

[Windjammer]

Self edited.

 

[epinephrine]

THANX FOR THE SCANS BUT THREADS LIKE THESE WILL START A WAR HERE CAUSE FLASHBACKS OF BOTH THE AIR WARS ARE ALWAYS NIGHTMARES FOR THE INDIANS

 

[MUHARIB]

THANX FOR THE SCANS BUT THREADS LIKE THESE WILL START A WAR HERE CAUSE FLASHBACKS OF BOTH THE AIR WARS ARE ALWAYS NIGHTMARES FOR THE INDIANS

.....get a reality check mate!!