The professional standards, capability and flexibility were soon put to the test in December 1971 when India and Pakistan went to war over (then) East Pakistan. At the time, the IAF was under the command of Air Chief Marshal Pratap Chandra Lal. On 22 November, ten days before the start of a full-scale war, four PAF F-86 Sabre jets attacked Indian and Mukti Bahini positions near the Indo-Bangla border in the Battle of Garibpur.
The professional standards, capabilities, and adaptability were soon subjected to evaluation in December 1971 when India and Pakistan clashed over (then) East Pakistan. At that time, the IAF was under the leadership of Air Chief Marshal Pratap Chandra Lal. On 22 November, ten days before the outbreak of a full-scale war, four PAF F-86 Sabre jets launched attacks on Indian and Mukti Bahini positions near the Indo-Bangla border in the Battle of Garibpur.