The successful 1971 campaign in Bangladesh ought to rank in the annals of military history as a tribute to the helicopter and transport fleet of the IAF.

In December 1971, the Pakistani Air Force (PAF) struck several airfields in northern India, prompting Delhi to officially declare war with Pakistan. Two weeks later, the war was over. In one of the swiftest military campaigns in recent history, the Indian Army had overrun erstwhile East Pakistan.

On the eastern front, operations had begun early on Saturday, December 4. The combat fleet of the Indian Air Force (IAF) established air superiority in 48 hours; the instrument of surrender was signed at Dacca on December 16. The transport and helicopter fleet played a crucial role in the swift victory. The story of transport operations in the east is little known despite being the first—and only—major airborne assault operation in the history of the IAF. Even less known is the saga of sacrifice, sagacity and determination on the part of IAF helicopter pilots who operated against heavy odds. The successful campaign ought to rank in the annals of military history as a tribute to the helicopter and transport fleet of the IAF.

Crossing the big rivers