In the annals of military history, there are countless tales of courage. But few stand out as starkly as the story of a single Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot who took on an armored column of Pakistani tanks and emerged victorious. This riveting episode took place during one of the most crucial conflicts in the subcontinent’s history — the Indo-Pak War of 1971.
This article explores the true story behind the headline: How a Single Indian Pilot Destroyed Pakistani Tanks. It recounts the events, the tactical brilliance, and the indomitable spirit of India’s brave air warriors — especially the legend of the Battle of Longewala.
The Background: Indo-Pak War of 1971
The Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 was a major military conflict that eventually led to the creation of Bangladesh. While most of the global spotlight was on the eastern front, fierce battles raged in the western sector as well — particularly in Rajasthan’s Thar Desert.
One of the most decisive engagements took place at Longewala, a small border post in the Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan. It was here that the courage of a few Indian soldiers and airmen turned the tide of battle.
The Battle of Longewala: Where the Legend Was Born
On the night of 4th December 1971, approximately 2000 Pakistani troops, supported by 40+ tanks (mainly Chinese-made T-59s) and armored vehicles, launched an invasion toward Longewala.
At the time, Longewala was defended by just 120 Indian soldiers of the 23rd Battalion, Punjab Regiment, led by Major Kuldip Singh Chandpuri. Severely outnumbered and lightly equipped, the Indian post seemed doomed.
However, the Indian troops held their ground through the night with mortar fire, minefields, and strategic use of terrain — waiting for daybreak when the Indian Air Force could intervene.
The Role of the Indian Air Force: Precision Strikes
With dawn on 5th December, the IAF’s Hunter aircraft based out of Jaisalmer Airbase were scrambled. Pilots took to the skies and launched a series of close air support missions to target the advancing Pakistani armor.
Here, Squadron Leader A. B. Devayya, Flying Officer M. S. Sekhon, and Flight Lieutenant Ghuman, among others, flew repeated sorties in extremely difficult desert conditions. But it was one particular pilot who would etch his name in history.
Heroic Feat: A Single Pilot’s Attack on Pakistani Tanks
One of the most dramatic elements of this battle was when a single IAF pilot, flying a Hawker Hunter, relentlessly attacked the enemy’s tank columns, destroying several Pakistani tanks in succession.
Flying dangerously low to avoid radar detection and maximize strike accuracy, this Indian pilot performed precision bombing and strafing runs that completely stunned the Pakistani forces. His aircraft carried rockets, 30 mm cannons, and bombs, which were used with exceptional skill.
Thanks to the IAF’s air superiority and the pilot’s courage under fire, over 30 Pakistani tanks were destroyed, and many others were abandoned. This not only stopped the enemy advance but forced them into full retreat.
The Man Behind the Mission: Flight Lieutenant Ghuman and Others
While no single pilot acted entirely alone during the whole battle, multiple eye-witness accounts credit individual sorties that wiped out entire tank formations to specific IAF pilots. One such name often associated with this valor is Flight Lieutenant Ghuman. He flew several successful sorties that caused maximum destruction to the enemy’s armored units.
The coordination between Indian ground forces and the IAF pilots was exceptional. Pilots navigated without modern targeting systems, relying on skill and real-time communication to ensure accuracy. This precision is what made the single-pilot missions so effective against large armored formations.
Casualties and Aftermath
By the end of the battle, the Pakistani forces had lost:
- Over 36 tanks
- Hundreds of troops
- Dozens of vehicles
In contrast, India lost only 2 soldiers, and the post at Longewala remained untouched. This battle became one of the most lopsided victories in modern military history.
Legacy of the Indian Air Force in Longewala
The Battle of Longewala showcased not only the heroism of Indian ground troops but also the devastating effectiveness of air power when used with precision and bravery. The IAF’s role in neutralizing Pakistani tanks with such minimal resources has since become a case study in military academies worldwide.
The Jaisalmer War Museum and the Longewala War Memorial stand today as tributes to the brave soldiers and airmen, including those single pilots who risked their lives to protect their homeland.
Pop Culture and Recognition
The story was famously dramatized in the Bollywood film “Border” (1997), where the role of IAF support was also highlighted. While the movie added cinematic elements, the essence of the IAF’s devastating effectiveness against tanks — including missions flown by individual pilots — was based on true events.
Conclusion
The story of how a single Indian pilot destroyed Pakistani tanks isn’t just about one person. It symbolizes the courage, coordination, and sheer willpower of the Indian armed forces. From the fearless ground troops at Longewala to the daring pilots in the skies, it was a collective display of bravery.
Yet, in every war, there are moments where the actions of a single man make a disproportionate impact. In this case, a lone IAF pilot, flying a Hawker Hunter at dawn, became the nightmare of Pakistani tank commanders and a hero in India’s defense history.