01966nam a22001457a 4500 531456 531456 250904b ||||| |||| 00| 0 eng d Yadav, Vikas 56626 Leap across the meghna river: A tactical manoeuvre leading to Strategic Victory in Indo- Pak war 1971 USI Journal 155(640), Apr-Jun, 2025: p.350-363 The Indo- Pak war of 1971 stands out as a rare instance in India's history when the nation took the military initiative and achieved resounding success. The Campaign was characterised by clear political objectives for the armed forces, exceptional joint planning at strategic, operational, and tactical levels, and exemplary tri-service coordination. The swift tri-service operation, often referred to as a 'Blitzkrieg', saw the Indian Air Force(IAS) play a crucial role and has been regarded as the fastest land advance since the North Africa campaign of World War II. The strategy focused on conducting a defensive war in the West while pursuing a decisive offensive in the East, culminating in a creative and innovative approach. A key early success was the IAF's achievement of air dominance over East Pakistan, securing control of the skies in just two days. Among the pivotal operations, the heliborne crossing on 09 Dec 1971, where the 110 and 105 Helicopter Units of the IAF airlifted troops of the 57 Mountain Division across the Meghna River, stands out as turning point in the Bangladesh Liberation War. The exceptional skill, professionalism, and bravery of the pilots and airmen were instrumental in transforming the dream of capturing Dhaka into reality. This essay critically analyses a significant tactical airlift manoeuvre that played a vital role in destabilising the enemy's centre of gravity, and eventually defeat of Pakistan in the Eastern Sector. Armed Force, IAF, World War II, Indo-Pak War 1971, Air Operation 56627 USI Journal AR 0 0 ddc 0 0 406654 IIPA IIPA 2025-09-04 AR137155 2025-09-04 AR