On 01 Sep 1965, Marshal of the Indian Air Force (MIAF) Arjan Singh , then the Chief of the Air Staff, ordered air strikes against the Pakistan Forces. Just before sunset of 01 Sep 1965, after meeting the Defence Minister of India, 26 fighter bombers consisting of 12 Vampire aircraft of No. 45 and 220 Squadrons and 14 Mystere aircraft of No. 3 and 31 Sqn took off from Pathankot for the Chhamb Sector. The mission marked the start of the air action against belligerence by Pakistan. Just before 1800hrs, the first IAF aircraft struck the Pakistani Patton Tanks. On this day, IAF accounted for 10 tanks, 02 Anti-Aircraft guns and 30-40 vehicles of the Pakistani Army.