How Indian Air Force broke Pakistan's dream of capturing Jaisalmer in 1971. Photo- India-Pakistan Border Jagran
Digital Desk, New Delhi. 54 years ago, on the night of 4 December 1971, the war that took place between an Indian Army unit and a Pakistani tank regiment had changed the course of history. The Longewala battle and the Indian Air Force are recognized as complementary to each other. The Battle of Longewala, fought in the desert of Rajasthan, had proved that the role of the Air Force in modern war is not merely supportive but decisive.
This war is once again in the news, but it is because of Bollywood. In the year 1997, a film was released on this Longewala war, named Border and the film Border-2 is going to be released in 2026. This film is also said to be based on a war story of 1971. However, the real story will be known only after its release.
But with the film Border-2, the India-Pakistan war has started being searched again on search engines. Today we will also tell you that aspect of the story of Longewala war which was not shown in the film. Apart from the film, let us know about this battle and how the Indian Defense Forces had failed the strategy of the Pakistani Army.
What was Pakistan's strategy?
During the 1971 war, Pakistan made a bold but risky plan on the western front. In early December, the Pakistani Army intruded into the Indian border in the Jaisalmer sector with a large number of tanks and about 2000 soldiers. Their aim was to quickly capture Ramgarh and Jaisalmer via Longewala, so that India could be put under strategic and psychological pressure.
It was even being said in the local areas that the Pakistani Army would reach Jaisalmer within a few days. But this confidence soon proved to be a big mistake of Pakistan.
Indian Army's fighter aircraft Hunter kept at Longewala War Memorial. Photo - Jagran
Where is Longewala Post?
At that time a small contingent of 23 Punjab Regiment was deployed at the border post of Longewala. Indian soldiers had limited weapons. A few machine guns, mortars, shoulder-fired rocket launchers and a recoilless gun. This power seemed inadequate against heavy tanks. Meanwhile, the sound of tank engines started being heard, disturbing the peace of the night. The patrol heard the sound of slowly advancing Pakistani tanks, which were moving through the sandy path without turning on their lights.
Resources were limited, but courage was strong. The Indian patrol detected the presence of the enemy and immediately informed higher authorities. The speed of Pakistani tanks advancing in the sandy area was very slow. This delay became an important opportunity for the Indian Army. A request for help was made from Longewala Post and the Air Force was alerted.
Decisive attack by Indian Air Force
By morning the attack by Pakistani army and tanks had intensified. The tanks opened fire which caused heavy damage to the structure of the post. At the same time, it became clear to the senior officers of the Indian Army that it would be difficult to stop this attack for a long time on the strength of the Army. Then the Indian Air Force became the last ray of hope.
The Air Force could not attack immediately due to limitations of flying at night, but in the morning Hunter fighter planes took off from Jaisalmer airbase. While the first rays of the sun fell on the desert, Indian Hunter planes started targeting Pakistani tanks.
The air attack was completely unexpected for the Pakistani Army. In the open desert without any air defense the tanks became easy targets. Indian pilots, flying at very low altitude, launched continuous attacks with rockets and artillery. Within no time many tanks were engulfed in flames and there was chaos in the advancing tank column.
As the day progressed, the Air Force attacks became more accurate. Pakistani tanks tried to change direction by releasing smoke to escape, but the dust blowing in the desert increased their problems. Many tanks failed midway due to engine overheating. Some tanks had to retreat leaving their crews behind.
By afternoon the situation had completely changed. The Indian Air Force had destroyed a large number of Pakistani tanks and vehicles. Without air cover, this major military operation turned into a huge loss for Pakistan. Ultimately the Pakistani Army had to decide to retreat and the dream of capturing Longewala was shattered there.
Impact of Longewala's victory
In this battle most of the tanks of Pakistan were either destroyed or abandoned. According to military historians, such a large loss of tanks in a single conflict is considered rare since World War II. This defeat not only dealt a blow to Pakistan's military strategy but also had a deep impact on the morale of its soldiers.
Tank of Pakistan Army kept on exhibition at Longewala War Memorial. Photo- Jagran
The impact of the success in the Battle of Longewala was not limited to the Western Front only. After this defeat, Pakistan's aggressive strategy broke down and India got the opportunity to exert full force on the eastern front, which resulted in the formation of Bangladesh.
Why is the Battle of Longewala historical?
The Battle of Longewala is remembered today because it shows that timely decisions, strong leadership and air power can change the course of a war. This victory is considered a milestone in Indian military history and remains a symbol of strategy and courage for generations to come.
Also read- When 120 soldiers chased away 4000 Pakistani soldiers, they had to leave tanks, cannons and vehicles; What is the story of Longewala war?