IAF's Canberra Bombers: Audacious Deep Strikes That Defined 1965 War

• The English Electric Canberra became a vital offensive weapon for the Indian Air Force during the 1965 India-Pakistan war, marking its first extensive use against a modern adversary.
• Designed for high-altitude, long-range deep penetration, Canberras targeted Pakistani airfields, supply depots, and radar stations, including crucial bases like Sargodha and Peshawar.
• Missions often involved audacious night flights at high altitudes to evade Pakistani radar and fighter interception, with the Peshawar raid being a notable example of deep strikes.
• Beyond bombing, Canberras provided tactical support to ground forces and conducted critical reconnaissance, gathering intelligence on Pakistani military movements.
• Despite challenges from Pakistani interceptors and anti-aircraft fire, Canberra squadrons sustained operations, demonstrating India's capacity for deep bombing and air superiority.