Full Description
The India-Pakistan War of 1971 was the third round between the two South Asian neighbours, but this war was different in many ways from the earlier conflicts. It was not a long drawn slugfest as the three services operated together in perfect sync in what was a lightning campaign that ended with a clear victory for India and the liberation of Bangladesh. It was a victory made possible by the contributions of all arms and services. As the war started on 3 December with the pre-emptive strikes by the Pakistani Air Force, Air Defence Gunners were the first to fire. Throughout the fourteen day campaign, the Air Defence Artillery played a vital role, from ensuring the defence of strategic assets to defending the field formations from enemy air attacks. While many books have been written about the war, all of them have overlooked the role of Air Defence Artillery, relegating its contributions to the margins. For the first time, this book narrates the story of Air Defence Artillery in the 1971 war as it looks at the performance of Air Defence Artillery and highlights both its achievements and failings. This is the story of the unsung heroes of the Indian and Pakistani Air Defence Artillery, who performed valiantly during the war, fighting against all odds.
Contents
List of Maps 9
Acknowledgements 11
Abbreviations 13
Preface 17
Introduction 25
1. Revisiting 1965 43
2. Taking Stock: The Opposing Forces 60
3. Setting the Stage 77
4. The Pre-emptive Strike that Wasn't 85
5. An Endless Wait: The War in the East 93
6. Case West: Defending the Air Forces 131
7. Case West: With the Field Army 168
8. Air Defence of Depth Areas 213
9. Looking Back 230
Appendices
A. Indian Air Defence Artillery: Order of Battle 253
B. Pakistan Air Defence Artillery 255
C. Indian Air Force Losses 256
D. Pakistan Air Force Losses 259
E. Gallantry Awards: Indian Air Defence Artillery 261
F. Gallantry Awards: Pakistan Air Defence Artillery 263
Bibliography 265
Index
