1971 WAR
In December 1971, Pakistan launched airstrikes on India amidst independence movement and West Pakistan’s genocide in Bangladesh (then East Pak) - war declared afterwards.
IAF played key role in assisting army on both Western and Eastern fronts of war.
Destroyed more than 20 tanks on the Western end alone.
Reportedly destroyed 94 Pakistan Air Force (PAF) aircrafts in the war which ended in 13 days (3 to 16 December).
Also aided through raids on industries.
Raid on Attock Oil Refinery most notable as it caused “extensive damage” to Pakistan’s oil supply.
KARGIL WAR
IAF launched Operation ‘Safed Sagar’ during the 1999 Kargil war - played key role in delivering victory for India.
The IAF aided in demolishing Pakistani ground structures at high altitudes in Kargil.
Flew 10-11 strike missions per day.
Demolished several defence complexes in Batalik sub-sector - one of the most important strategic locations in the war
Notably destroyed Pakistani camps around.
Tiger Hill located at 5,307 m altitude - allowed Army to capture the strategically vital point.
BALAKOT AIRSTRIKES
Most recent example is the Balakot airstrikes of 2019.
Done after 40 CRPF personnel were killed in suicide bombing in Pulwama - Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) took responsibility.
26 February, 2019: IAF launched airstrikes at JeM camp in Balakot (Pakistan).
12 Mirage-2000 fighter jets were used to drop bombs weighing 1,000 kg - caused “complete destruction” of terrorist camps.
Pakistan Air Force jets reportedly tried to chase after the IAF jets on their way back, but could not touch the Indian planes.
BIJU PATNAIK AND THE TOP SECRET INDONESIAN MISSION
Former Odisha CM Biju Patnaik, father of current Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik, was an IAF pilot - later founded the Kalinga airlines which merged into Indian Airlines in 1953.
Indonesia gained independence in 1945 from Netherlands.
However, Netherlands invaded again in 1947.
On PM Nehru’s request, Biju and his wife Gyana Devi flew one of their planes to Indonesia in July 1947 amidst Dutch threat of attacking the planes.
Ferried back Indonesian PM Sutan Sjahrir and Vice President Mohammad Hatta to India.
Sjahrir and Hatta were key in drawing World pressure on the Dutch who eventually withdrew from Indonesia.
DID YOU KNOW?
Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, an IAF fighter pilot was conferred the Vir Chakra Gallantry award in August 2019.
During the 2019 India–Pakistan standoff, he was held captive in Pakistan for 60 hours, after his aircraft was shot down in an aerial dogfight, and later released.