Whenever the 1965 War is remembered, the courage of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is always highlighted. Pakistani pilots, often called the “Shaheens,” stunned the Indian Air Force with their unmatched bravery. Even Indian veterans have admitted how difficult the PAF made their mission during those 17 crucial days.
The Beginning of the Conflict
The war began when India attacked the Lahore sector, hoping to capture the city quickly. Indian generals were confident that they would have breakfast in Lahore. However, the determination of Pakistani soldiers and the continuous strikes by PAF pilots forced India into retreat within just a few days. Despite having fewer aircraft, the PAF destroyed 110 Indian planes while losing only 19 of its own.
Air Marshal Noor Khan’s Leadership
The PAF’s extraordinary success was possible due to the visionary leadership of Air Marshal Noor Khan. Sensing the coming storm in Kashmir, he kept the air force on high alert before the war began. His aggressive strategy ensured that PAF pilots were ready to strike decisively. Under his command, the PAF performed beyond expectations and shocked the world with its resilience.
Heroes of the Skies: Sarfaraz Rafiqui and Imtiaz Bhatti
On 1 September 1965, Squadron Leader Sarfaraz Ahmed Rafiqui and Air Commodore Imtiaz Ahmed Bhatti engaged Indian jets over the Chamb sector. Rafiqui shot down three enemy aircraft in a single mission and was awarded the Sitara-e-Jurat for his bravery. Later, on 6 September, during a mission over the Halwara air base, Rafiqui’s guns jammed after downing one Indian plane. Instead of retreating, he covered his fellow pilots, protecting their formation until he was tragically shot down. His sacrifice remains one of the most inspiring stories in Pakistan’s air warfare history.
Imtiaz Bhatti, flying from Sargodha, also destroyed enemy jets in multiple missions, proving the skill and courage of Pakistani pilots in the face of overwhelming odds.
M.M. Alam: The Legendary Ace
No story of the 1965 War is complete without mentioning Air Commodore M.M. Alam. On 7 September, Alam created a world record by shooting down five Indian aircraft in less than a minute — four of them in just 30 seconds. In total, he destroyed nine planes in five minutes, a feat unmatched in air combat history. His achievement earned him the nickname “Little Dragon” and cemented his place among the greatest fighter aces of all time.
In his own words, M.M. Alam later described the event as a miracle: “Shooting down five jets was not my power alone. Allah gave me the opportunity and strength. Otherwise, in such encounters, it is rare to even down one or two planes at once.”
Legacy of the Pakistan Air Force in 1965
The Pakistan Air Force turned the tide of war through its bravery, skill, and sacrifices. Despite being outnumbered, the PAF pilots stood firm, defended Lahore, and destroyed enemy ambitions. The stories of Noor Khan, Sarfaraz Rafiqui, Imtiaz Bhatti, and M.M. Alam continue to inspire generations and remain symbols of courage, patriotism, and faith.
The 1965 War showed the world that Pakistan’s skies are guarded by fearless warriors who will always rise to defend their homeland.
