IAF Book on Indo-Pak Air War 1965 Released

DELHI, India - Nov. 1, 2015 - PRLog -- A new book authored by Air Marshal Bharat Kumar, who was a young fighter pilot during the 1965 Indo-Pak War, says that while the Official History of the Ministry of Defence admits that the 1965 war with Pakistan resulted in a stalemate, the IAF came out as the winner. Bharat Kumar’s assessment is based on the fact that Pakistan’s thrust in the Chhamb-Jaurian sector to capture the vital bridge on the River Chenab at Akhnoor, was stopped in its tracks due to the timely intervention of the Indian Air Force.

The book titled “The Duels of the Himalayan Eagle – The First Indo-Pak Air War (1-22 September 1965) was released by the Vice President, Hamid Ansari, at a Tri-Service Joint Seminar on the 1965 War at the Manekshaw Centre.

The book, published by Gurgaon-based IMR Media, was commissioned by the Indian Air Force. The author was given access to squadron diaries and official records. Bharat Kumar also relied extensively on personal accounts of the Wing and Squadron commanders as well as fighter and bomber pilots who took part in the missions during the war.

The book has disclosed some hitherto unknown facts and brought them in the public domain.

The book includes logistics support was extended by the IAF during Operation Gibraltar and the all out support to the Indian Army to defeat Pakistan’s Operation Grand Slam which commenced on 1 September 1965 at 0600 hrs with an attack in the Chhamb Jaurian sector to capture Akhnur and cut off the life line to the Kashmir Valley.

India’s First Air-to-Air Kill is described in great detail. Flt Lt Trevor Keelor shot down the first Pak F-86 Sabre of the 1965 war. But there was a sad story as well. Sqn Ldr (later Air Marshal) BS Sikand got separated from his Gnat formation, lost contact with his mates and also his bearings. Strangely, at the end of his fuel state, he landed at Pasrur, a disused airfield in Pakistan, which lies in the direction opposite to Adampur, where he was to return. He was taken prisoner.

Pakistan’s surprise attack on Pathankot Air Base, Adampur and Halwara alomg with fatal Pakistani Air Drop of Commandos at these bases is described very graphically including narrations of first person accounts.

The IAF Raids to destroy Badin Radar, the travails of Indian POWs and a dispassionate assessment of the outcome of the air war is very aptly dealt by the author.

   The hardcover book is published by IMR Media Pvt Ltd, based in Gurgaon and is priced at $120 inclusive of courier charges anywhere in the world. The book is in large size format and is fully illustrated. To get in touch with the publisher contact response@idyb.com.