When Dakota aircraft flew into history: IAF recalls Srinagar airlift of 1947

The Indian Air Force's Western Air Command on Tuesday commemorated the historic Srinagar airlift of October 27, 1947, when Dakota aircraft of the then Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF) flew troops of the 1st Sikh Regiment into Srinagar, a day after Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession with India. The operation is widely regarded as independent India's first major military action and proved crucial in securing the Srinagar airfield and defending the city from advancing tribal raiders backed by Pakistan.

Recalling the operation in a post on X, the Western Air Command said, "On 27 Oct 1947, the then #RIAF executed the historic Srinagar airlift, marking independent India's first major military operation. The Dakotas swiftly deployed the 1st Sikh Regiment just in time to save the Srinagar airstrip and the city."

The Royal Indian Air Force was the predecessor of the Indian Air Force. Although India became independent in 1947, the force continued to use the "Royal" designation until January 26, 1950, when India became a republic and the prefix was dropped. The command also shared a photograph and paid tribute to the armed forces personnel involved in the mission. "We salute the incredible synergy, courage and swift action of our Forces on this historic day," it said.

The airlift came at a critical moment in the history of the then princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. On October 22, 1947, Pakistan launched an invasion of the state under "Operation Gulmarg," using tribal lashkars from Waziristan, Pathans from the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) and Pakistani soldiers disguised as tribals. As the invading forces advanced towards Srinagar, Maharaja Hari Singh sent an SOS to the Government of India on October 25, seeking urgent military assistance. On October 26, he signed the Instrument of Accession, formally acceding Jammu and Kashmir to India and paving the way for the deployment of Indian forces to defend the state.

The following day, the Government of India moved swiftly to respond. Given the urgency of the situation, the difficult terrain and the lack of time for conventional troop mobilisation, airlifting soldiers into Srinagar emerged as the only viable option. At dawn on October 27, 1947, a Dakota aircraft carrying 21 armed soldiers took off from Palam Airport in Delhi at 6:30 am. It was followed by two more Dakotas, each carrying another 21 troops. After a flight of a little over three hours, the first aircraft landed at Srinagar at 9:40 am.

The landing marked a watershed moment in India's military history. It was the first time personnel of the Indian Army and the Air Force had entered an active combat zone in independent India. The operation helped secure the Srinagar airfield, allowing additional troops and supplies to be flown in as fighting intensified across the region.

The war lasted 436 days before a ceasefire came into effect on January 1, 1949. October 27 is observed as Infantry Day by the Indian Army to honour the soldiers who were airlifted to Srinagar and played a key role in defending Jammu and Kashmir after its accession to India.