Pakistan Crying Board

11 Dec 1971

Tangail Airborne Assault

On this day, the IAF led the subcontinent’s first major airborne assault. An-12s, Packets and Dakotas paradropped a 750-strong battalion group at Tangail, opening the axis to Dhaka.

With full air dominance, the IAF executed a rare daylight drop, guided by Pathfinders and protected by Gnat and MiG-21 fighters. The force rapidly secured the Poongli Bridge, severing Dhaka’s Northern link.

The operation set a defining benchmark in joint planning, precision and battlefield courage.