India's First Aerial Warrior: How 'Vampires' Devoured Pakistan's Patton Tanks in 1965 War

• In 1965, Pakistan launched Operation Grand Slam with US-donated Patton tanks, aiming to capture the Chhamb-Jaurian area.
• The Indian Air Force's De Havilland Vampire jets, India's first fighter jets, targeted and destroyed Pakistani Patton tanks using rockets, bombs, and cannons.
• The Vampire, inducted in 1948, brought India into the jet age, transitioning from propeller aircraft and revolutionizing aviation technology.
• Indian pilots underwent new training for the Vampire's speed, altitude, and control, establishing a structured jet training system.
• Used for ground attack and training, the Vampire also served as a night fighter with radar, and later became the 'First Jet Teacher' for new pilots before its retirement in 1978.