Pakistan Air Force: Operational Narrative – 10 December 1971

As the 1971 War pushed toward its climax, the Pakistan Air Force pressed forward with unwavering resolve on 10 December. The day began with immediate close-support action when Flt Lt Taloot Mirza, TJ, flying alongside his leader, struck advancing enemy armour with precision. This strike quickly led to an aerial engagement as six IAF Su-7s plunged in, pitting the two PAF aircraft against three times their number in a fierce low-level dogfight. Displaying icy composure, Flt Lt Taloot skillfully outmaneuvered a Su-7 and destroyed it with a burst from his six 0.5-calibre Brownings, while his leader downed another. This decisive action broke the enemy formation and forced the remaining Indian aircraft to break off, securing a critical local victory.

Simultaneously, the offensive momentum was maintained deep behind enemy lines. Mirages of No 5 Squadron struck the IAF base at Pathankot with unrelenting accuracy. Their bombing run targeted the technical area, resulting in the destruction of two Hunters preparing for takeoff, leaving the enemy reeling from the surprise and damage inflicted. Across the front, the sustained commitment of the PAF was evident as No 33 Wing maintained an extraordinary operational tempo, flying 50–60 missions a day. Sabres from the wing struck military targets in Akhnur, notably igniting a massive fuel dump that significantly disrupted enemy movement and logistical efforts on the ground.

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The day also bore witness to profound acts of ultimate sacrifice and heroism. Sqn Ldr Aslam Chaudhry Shaheed, SJ, led a two-ship close-support mission in the heavily contested Chamb–Jaurian sector. After successfully delivering a devastating first run on enemy armour, his formation was attacked by six Indian Hunters. Without a moment of hesitation, Sqn Ldr Aslam jettisoned his external tanks, turned to face the threat, and skillfully brought the Hunter leader down in flames. Vastly outnumbered but his resolve unbroken, he embraced martyrdom in the very battle he refused to abandon. The collective actions of these warriors on 10 December 1971—rising against overwhelming challenge with relentless courage—etched a legacy in history that continues to shape the spirit of the Pakistan Air Force for generations.