Published 10:22 IST, September 4th 2019
IAF's 1st Air-to-Air kill video: Watch the 'Sabre killer' & feel proud
The Indian Air Force shared a throwback video of their first Air-to-Air Kill that took place on September 3, 1965, during the Indo-Pakistan War on social media
The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Tuesday had uploaded a throwback video of their first Air-to-Air Kill that took place on September 3, 1965, during the Indo-Pakistan War, on their social media handles. The video describes the entire event of a Pakistani Sabre Jet F-86F aircraft entering in the Chhamb sector and how Squadron Leader Trevor Keelor shoots down the Sabre Jet flying in his Gnat fighter aircraft. Sqadron Leader Keelor became the first Indian officer to shoot down a Sabre jet. He was honoured with a Vir Chakra and was also called as 'Sabre Killer'.
The Sabre Killer
According to IAF, the Four Gnats were led by Sqn Ldr Trevor Keelor. Flying in a tactical formation at a low level of about 100 feet above the ground, they were headed towards the combat zone in the Chamb sector. As the formation was crossing Akhnoor Bridge, the controlling RADAR reported enemy aerial activity. After receiving the information of suspected enemy in the region, the Gnats zoomed up to 30,000 ft in less than 90 sec and scanned the area for intruders.
After spotting the enemy, Sqn Ldr Keelor picked up after a pair of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) F-86F Sabre Jets, he maneuvered his formation to get behind the enemy aircraft. As the turn was completed, Keelor was in a perfect position to close in and destroy the target. He opened fire with his twin 30 mm Canon guns from a distance of 450 yards, closing in, to 200 yards. In an instant, the Saber’s right-wing disintegrated and the enemy aircraft fell off the sky. The IAF showcased their amazing flying skills and the Pakistan Sabre jets were forced to go back.
IAF inducts eight Apache AH-64E Helicopters
Eight US-made Apache AH-64E attack helicopters were inducted by The Indian Air Force (IAF) in Pathankot on Tuesday. This will enable IAF to get a major boost to its combat capabilities. The induction ceremony took place at Pathankot Air Force station where the aircraft was formally inducted by the Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa as the Chief Guest. The AH-64E Apache is one of the world's most advanced multi-role combat helicopters and is flown by the US Army.
Updated 12:14 IST, September 4th 2019