the Air Power in the 1965 War: A Comparative Analysis of the Pakistan Air Force under Asghar Khan Command with Indian Air Forces
A Comparative Analysis of the Pakistan Air Force under Asghar Khan Command with Indian Air Forces
Abstract
The Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 serves as a critical case study in military aviation history, particularly in assessing the comparative competencies of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and the Indian Air Force (IAF). This research article conducts a focused competency-based analysis of the PAF under the formative leadership of Air Marshal Asghar Khan, who, although not in command during the war itself, laid the structural and doctrinal foundations that shaped the PAF’s performance during the conflict. The study explores various dimensions of air force capability, including strategic vision, pilot training programs, combat tactics, aircraft performance, organizational structure, and morale. Through a combination of archival research, operational data analysis, and expert military commentary, the paper illustrates how the PAF leveraged limited resources to achieve disproportionately effective outcomes against a numerically superior opponent. It also investigates how Asghar Khan’s emphasis on meritocracy, professionalism, and technological adaptation enabled the PAF to function with high efficiency under war-time pressure. In contrast, the IAF, despite its size and resource advantage, encountered challenges related to coordination, outdated strategic doctrine, and inconsistent command execution. The study highlights key engagements such as the defense of Sargodha, the performance of the F-86 Sabres, and the role of squadron-level leadership in shaping tactical success. Ultimately, this comparative analysis not only sheds light on the operational asymmetries of the 1965 air war but also provides broader insights into the importance of institutional leadership and strategic planning in air power efficacy.
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