Air Strikes and Defenses in the Chittagong Area

 Air operations in the Chittagong area during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War played a crucial role in isolating Pakistani forces in Sector 1. While the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) conducted limited strikes and support missions early on, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and nascent Bangladesh Air Force (Kilo Flight) dominated the skies from December 1971 onward.

Chittagong's port, airfield, and oil installations faced repeated bombings, while Pakistani anti-aircraft defenses offered minimal resistance against overwhelming allied air power.Pakistani Air Activities and DefensesThe PAF's No. 14 Squadron (F-86 Sabres) operated from Chittagong airfield initially, flying ground support and reconnaissance against Mukti Bahini positions.

• Early war (March-April 1971): PAF jets bombed Kalurghat radio station (March 30) and Mukti Bahini targets.
• Defenses: Light anti-aircraft (ack-ack) batteries, including the 46th Light Ack-Ack in Chittagong, provided limited protection. No heavy radar-guided systems; mostly visual/gun-based.

Pakistani helicopters ferried troops but faced vulnerability.By December, fuel shortages and IAF dominance grounded most PAF aircraft in the east.Allied Air Strikes on ChittagongAfter Pakistan's pre-emptive strikes on December 3, IAF retaliated aggressively:

• December 3-4 night: Canberras bombed Chittagong airfield.
• December 4 onward: Hunters and other aircraft struck port facilities, oil depots (Patenga), airfield, and ships. Sea Hawks from INS Vikrant repeatedly attacked harbor and airport.
• Kilo Flight (Bangladesh Air Force): On December 3-4, Alouette helicopter and Otter aircraft bombed Chittagong oil tanks, igniting fires.
• Targets: Airfield runways cratered; fuel dumps destroyed; port installations hit to sustain Operation Jackpot blockade.

Strikes minimized civilian damage, focusing on military assets.Impact and OutcomeAir superiority enabled Mukti Bahini ground advances and naval blockade. Chittagong airfield neutralized early; port remained closed.No major air battles over Chittagong—PAF conserved aircraft for Dhaka area.By mid-December, allied air power supported rapid liberation of Chittagong city.Air operations in Chittagong crippled Pakistani resupply and mobility, accelerating Sector 1's victory.Joy Bangla! The skies over Chittagong belonged to the forces of liberation.