On the evening of September 6, 1965, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) carried out its first aerial strike, inflicting a severe blow to one of the most strategically significant airbases of the Indian military, Pathankot. This attack marked the beginning of a series of strategic air assaults that would play a pivotal role in the 1965 war.
The Pre-Emptive Strike
As dawn broke on September 6, the enemy had already set its sights on Pakistani territory. The Pakistan Air Force, fully aware of the impending threat, was on high alert and prepared to take immediate action. Long before India could launch its air offensive, the PAF had its own plans ready. That evening, the PAF executed its first decisive airstrike on Pathankot, India’s most critical airbase, which housed some of its most advanced and dangerous weaponry.
The responsibility for this critical mission was assigned to Squadron 19, based in Peshawar, led by Squadron Leader Sajad Haider. The mission saw the deployment of eight F-86 Sabre fighter jets, piloted by a group of exceptional officers, including Squadron Leader Sajad Haider, Flight Lieutenant Muhammad Akbar, Flight Lieutenant Ghani Akbar, Flight Lieutenant Sarwar, and Flight Lieutenant Basset Latif.
The Attack and Its Impact
The PAF’s airstrike on Pathankot began precisely at 5:05 PM, as the planes entered Indian airspace. The primary targets were the enemy’s aircraft, including the MiG-21, Mystère IV, and C-119 transport aircraft, all of which were grounded and destroyed on the runway. The air traffic control tower at the base was also significantly damaged during the attack, causing major disruption to India’s military operations.
As the attack continued, Flight Lieutenant Muhammad Akbar requested additional permission from Squadron Leader Sajad Haider to launch further strikes, given that he still had enough ammunition left. Permission was granted, and he successfully targeted a Mystère IV aircraft parked in a secure area.
Meanwhile, Flight Lieutenant Basset Latif, conducting his first aerial mission, and Flight Lieutenant Sarwar, who was serving as a navigator, executed their bombing runs with precision. Despite heavy ground fire from the enemy, they dropped 8,000-pound bombs onto the airbase, further crippling its operations.
A Historic Success
After successfully completing the mission, the PAF pilots had to depart the area due to limited fuel. Remarkably, the attack was carried out without any interference from Indian air defenses. This strike led to the immediate grounding of the Indian MiG-21 fighter jets, significantly reducing the enemy’s frontline airpower. The success of this attack boosted the morale of Pakistan’s military and its people, solidifying their resolve in the ongoing conflict.
The PAF’s bold and effective strike on Pathankot became a turning point in the war, reinforcing the nation’s belief in the power of a united front. The swift, coordinated effort of Squadron 19 has since become legendary, and the squadron, now known as the “Cobra Squadron,” has continued to demonstrate its excellence, including in recent air clashes where it successfully countered India’s Rafale jets.
This historic airstrike exemplifies the professionalism, courage, and unmatched skills of the Pakistan Air Force, highlighting its critical role in securing the nation’s skies during one of its most challenging times.
