The 1971 Indo-Pak War stands as a pivotal chapter in the history of the Indian subcontinent, marking the creation of Bangladesh and the emergence of India as a formidable military power in the region. The success of the Indian Armed Forces in this conflict can be attributed to the effective utilization of advanced weapon systems. In this article, we delve into the main weapon systems employed by the Indian armed forces during the 1971 war and explore their role in the triumphs of valor.
Armored Might on the Battlefield
T-55 Tanks : The T-55 tank, a Soviet-designed medium tank, played a crucial role in the ground warfare during the 1971 conflict. The Indian Army deployed these formidable machines, armed with a 100mm smoothbore gun, in the western and eastern theaters. The T-55s provided decisive firepower and proved instrumental in breaking through enemy lines, particularly in the battle of Basantar.
CenturionTanks : Weighing around 50 tonnes and armed with a 17-pounder main gun, the Centurion accommodated a four-man crew. In the 1971 India-Pakistan war, the tank played a crucial role in the Battle of Basantar (4-11 December 1971) in the western sector, and performed admirably in operations, including establishing bridgeheads, in the eastern sector.
Soviet-era tank PT-76: This tank was the heavy lifter of the Indian armoured divisions in the 1971 war particularly in the eastern sector. Though it weighs 14.6 tonnes but the amphibious capabilities it has, made it the ultimate beast in the ever flooded and marshy terrain of Bangladesh(then East Paksitan). This capability of it earned it the title of “Pippa”. The PT-76’s 76.2-mm rifled bore gun was instrumental in neutralising Pakistan’s US-origin M24 light Chafee tanks. These beasts spread panic they created a havoc on the Pakistani ranks in the pitched battles of Boyra, Hilli and Rangpur(all in Bangladesh).
Success Tale: Battle of Basantar
In the Battle of Basantar, fought in the Shakargarh sector, the Indian Army’s 47th Infantry Brigade, supported by the 1st Armored Division equipped with T-55 tanks, faced fierce resistance from Pakistani forces. The T-55s showcased their prowess by effectively neutralizing enemy tanks and fortifications. It also included the PT-76s which provided the edge to the brigade with its amphibious capabilities. The Centurions were also used as the main battle tanks.
Dominating the Skies
MIG-21 Aircraft: The Mikoyan-Gurevich MIG-21, a Soviet-designed supersonic jet fighter, played a pivotal role in establishing Indian air superiority during the 1971 war. With its exceptional speed and agility, the MIG-21 outclassed the Pakistani Air Force’s (PAF) aircraft, including the American-made F-86 Sabre.
Hawker Hunter : The Hawker Hunter, a British transonic jet fighter developed in the late 1940s, played a crucial role in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. With six combat-ready squadrons, Indian Air Force (IAF) Hunters stationed at Jaisalmer Air Force Base halted Pakistani forces at Longewala through continuous bombing raids. The IAF Hunters targeted tanks, personnel carriers, and gun positions, contributing to chaotic battlefield conditions that forced Pakistan’s ground forces to retreat. Hunters were also used for ground-attack missions, including the high-profile bombing of the Attock Oil refinery in Pakistan.
Folland Gnat : The Folland Gnat is a British subsonic fighter aircraft developed by Folland Aircraft. It gained prominence during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, notably in the Battle of Boyra where Indian Air Force Gnats engaged Pakistani Canadair Sabres. The IAF Gnats shot down two Sabres, while the PAF claimed a Gnat kill, which was debunked by gun camera footage. In another dogfight over Srinagar airfield, an Indian pilot in a Gnat held off six Sabres, downing two before being shot down. Pilot Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon received the Param Vir Chakra posthumously. The Indian Air Force, impressed by the Gnat’s performance, became the largest operator and produced it under license. This led to the development of the HAL Ajeet, an improved variant of the Gnat.
Success Tale: Air Battle over Longewala
In one of the most celebrated air battles, the Hunters of the Indian Air Force engaged with the PAF over Longewala in the western theater. In the eastern sector the Gnats brought the the tastes of initial victory by gunning down the Paksitani Sabres. The Indian pilots, displaying exceptional skill, shot down several Pakistani aircraft, maintaining air dominance and ensuring the safety of ground forces.
The Naval Supremacy
INS Vikrant : India’s aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, played a pivotal role in the eastern theater, patrolling the Bay of Bengal and enforcing a naval blockade against Pakistan. Equipped with Sea Hawk and Alize aircraft, INS Vikrant ensured Indian dominance at sea. Also it attacked the coastal military complexes and the naval bases of the East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).
Success Tale: Blockade of East Pakistan
The naval blockade, spearheaded by INS Vikrant, choked off the maritime supply routes to East Pakistan, severely limiting the Pakistani military’s capabilities. The success of the blockade played a crucial role in hastening the end of the war and the eventual liberation of Bangladesh.
Vidyut Class Missile Boats : The Vidyut-class missile boats represented a Soviet initiative to create agile, high-speed attack vessels designed for coastal defense. Initially referred to as the Osa-1 by the Soviets, these missile boats were equipped with three diesel engines, each capable of generating up to 5000 horsepower. Propelled by the M-503G series engines, they achieved a top speed of 38.5 knots. The main weaponry included the P-15 Termite, a missile developed by the USSR.
Success Tale : Operation Trident
Operation Trident was an aggressive military maneuver executed by the Indian Navy in 1971 during the Indo-Pakistani War. The mission targeted the port city of Karachi in Pakistan, utilizing Vidyut class missile boats. This strategic operation took place on the night of December 4–5 and resulted in significant harm to Pakistani vessels and infrastructure. India emerged from the operation without any casualties, whereas Pakistan experienced the loss of a minesweeper, a destroyer, cargo vessel transporting ammunition, and fuel storage tanks in Karachi. Additionally, another destroyer sustained severe damage and was ultimately decommissioned.
Niazi’s Nightmare i.e., The Artillery
The 75/24 Towed Gun : India’s first indigenously made artillery piece, the 75/24 Towed Gun, which was introduced in the 1960s to replace the 3.7 inch British-made gun. The 75/24 Pack Howitzer Mk-1 weighs 983 kg, has a maximum range of up to 11,104 metres and can easily be airlifted or disassembled into smaller parts for easy transportation. Thrown into the intense battles of the 1965 and 1971 wars, the Mk-1 performed brilliantly with its accurate firepower. The precision and range of these artillery pieces were instrumental in breaking through heavily fortified positions. It was replaced in the 1980s by the 105mm Indian Field Gun (IFG), another howitzer of indigenous design and development.
Success Tale: Siege of Dhaka
During the final stages of the war, the Indian Army, supported by artillery units, laid siege to the capital of East Pakistan, Dhaka. The sustained and accurate artillery fire weakened the resolve of Pakistani forces, leading to their eventual surrender. The fall of Dhaka marked the decisive end of the conflict and the birth of Bangladesh.
The 1971 Indo-Pak War stands as a testament to the valor and strategic acumen of the Indian Armed Forces. The successful utilization of advanced weapon systems, including T-55 tanks, MIG-21 aircraft, INS Vikrant, 75/24 artillery guns, and Vidyut class boats, played a pivotal role in securing victory on both the western and eastern fronts. The stories of triumph from battles like Basantar, Longewala, Operation Trident and the siege of Dhaka continue to inspire generations, highlighting the indomitable spirit of the Indian military in the face of adversity.
The Indian Centurions were Mark 7, so would have been at least armed with the 20 pdr (84mm) gun, a far more effective anti-tank gun than the 17 pdr (which was only on the early Centurions in the immediate post-WW2 period. Without looking deeper, they may have even been armed with the 105mm L7 rifled gun, which was a much better gun than 100mm of the T-54 or T-55.