Indian Air Force shares how it on this day in 1965 outsmarted Pakistan Sabres by launching surprise attack on Lahore

A day after the Indian Air Force tweeted on how its aircrafts ensured victory in the 1965 War against Pakistan, it again on Tuesday shared an interesting thread on how its jets from the 23 Squadron planned an offensive strike to strafe Pakistani ground troops and posts near Lahore.

"The Gnat Squadron was tasked to fly CAP and Escort Missions. The 'Sabre Slayers'  of 23 Sqn, as if trying to break out of routine monotony, planned an offensive strike to strafe Pakistani ground troops and posts near Lahore," the Air Force said in a series of tweets.

#1965War & IAF: 18 Sep 1965- The Gnat Sqn was tasked to fly CAP & Escort Missions. The ‘Sabre Slayers’ of 23 Sqn, as if trying to break out of routine monotony, planned an offensive strike to strafe Pakistani ground troops and posts near Lahore (1/4). pic.twitter.com/JzyM08MGRo

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) September 18, 2018

The decision was taken on September 18, 1965 when Squadron leader AJS Sandhu and his formation of four Gnats took off and headed towards Lahore. Moments later, the Amritsar radar warned them of six Sabres approaching them. "The Gnats at low leve, on spotting the Sabres at approximately 20,000 feet immediately commenced a climbing turn and engaged them. The Sabre in combat with Sandhu, having decided to exit, carried out a steep dive. Not the one to let his opponent escape, Sandhu followed him down to low levels & shot him down with his cannon. This was the 3rd Sabre downed by 23 Squadron," the IAF tweeted.

#1965War & IAF: 18 Sep 1965- Sqn Ldr AJS Sandhu & his formation of 04 Gnats took off & headed south towards Lahore. Moments later, the Amritsar radar warned them of approaching six Sabres. (2/4).

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) September 18, 2018

#1965War & IAF: 18 Sep 1965- The Gnats at low level, on spotting the Sabres at approximately 20,000 ft immediately commenced a climbing turn & engaged them (3/4).

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) September 18, 2018

#1965War & IAF: 18 Sep 1965- The Sabre in combat with Sandhu, having decided to exit, carried out a steep dive. Not the one to let his opponent escape, Sandhu followed him down to low levels & shot him down with his cannon. This was the 3rd Sabre downed by 23 Squadron (4/4).

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) September 18, 2018

On Monday, the IAF relived the 1965 war against Pakistan, where the Hunter jets were used for ground attacks.

"Hunters of No.7,20 & 27Sqns proved extremely effective in the war. The aircraft were deployed for ground attack role & they destroyed a number of Patton tanks and armoured vehicles. In the aerial combat, they shot down six Sabre Jets," the IAF tweeted on Monday.

Earlier, the IAF paid tribute to the iconic Arjan Singh, who was the first officer to receive five stars.

Marshal Arjan Singh, died in 2017 at the age of 98.