Muhammad Mahmood Alam, often referred to as M.M. Alam, was a legendary Pakistani fighter pilot who gained fame during the 1965 Pak-Indo War. He is celebrated for his exceptional skills and courage in combat, particularly for downing five Indian Hawker Hunter fighter aircraft in a single dogfight in less than a minute. This remarkable achievement earned him the nickname “Little Dragon” and solidified his reputation as one of Pakistan’s most celebrated fighter pilots.

M.M. Alam’s extraordinary feat of shooting down five enemy aircraft in such a short span of time is still regarded as one of the most significant accomplishments in aerial combat history. He was an inspiration to generations of Pakistani pilots and remains a symbol of bravery and skill in the Pakistan Air Force’s history.

While the term “Top Gun” is often associated with elite fighter pilots, it’s essential to note that M.M. Alam achieved legendary status not only within Pakistan but also on the international stage due to his exceptional combat performance. His legacy as a real-life “Top Gun” endures in the annals of aviation history

M.M. Alam’s Aircraft: The F-86 Sabre and the Indian Hawker Hunter

M.M. Alam’s Aircraft: The F-86 Sabre

1. Overview:

• Type: Fighter aircraft
• Manufacturer: North American Aviation
• Role: Air superiority fighter and ground attack
• First Flight: October 1, 1947
• Introduced: 1949
• Primary User: United States Air Force (USAF), also used by Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and various other air forces globally

2. Design and Features:

• The F-86 Sabre was a transonic jet fighter aircraft that became one of the most prominent American fighter planes during the Korean War and throughout the early Cold War period.
• Engine: Powered by a General Electric J47 turbojet engine, capable of producing about 5,200 lbf of thrust.
• Speed: The Sabre could reach a top speed of approximately 687 mph (Mach 0.9), making it one of the fastest jet fighters of its time.
• Armament: The aircraft was equipped with six .50 caliber M3 Browning machine guns mounted in the nose. It could also carry bombs and rockets for ground attack missions.
• Maneuverability: The Sabre’s swept-wing design contributed to its excellent maneuverability at high speeds, which was crucial during dogfights.
• Combat Role: The F-86 Sabre was primarily designed for air-to-air combat but was versatile enough to perform ground-attack missions. Its agility and speed made it a formidable adversary in dogfights, particularly against Soviet-built MiG-15s during the Korean War.

3. M.M. Alam and the F-86 Sabre:

• During the 1965 Indo-Pak war, M.M. Alam flew the F-86 Sabre and achieved extraordinary success in aerial combat.
• Alam’s mastery of the Sabre was evident in his ability to outmaneuver and outshoot the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) more modern aircraft, particularly the Hawker Hunter.
• His most famous achievement came on September 7, 1965, when he shot down five IAF Hawker Hunters in less than a minute using the F-86 Sabre, setting a world record for the fastest air-to-air kills.

Indian Aircraft: The Hawker Hunter

1. Overview:

• Type: Fighter aircraft
• Manufacturer: Hawker Aircraft
• Role: Fighter-bomber, ground attack, and interceptor
• First Flight: July 20, 1951
• Introduced: 1954
• Primary User: Royal Air Force (RAF), Indian Air Force (IAF), and various other air forces globally

2. Design and Features:

• The Hawker Hunter was a transonic British jet fighter that served as the primary front-line fighter for the Royal Air Force and was extensively used by the Indian Air Force during the 1965 Indo-Pak war.
• Engine: Powered by a Rolls-Royce Avon turbojet engine, producing between 7,500 lbf and 10,150 lbf of thrust depending on the variant.
• Speed: The Hunter could reach a top speed of approximately 715 mph (Mach 0.94).
• Armament: The Hunter was equipped with four 30mm ADEN cannons and could carry a variety of bombs, rockets, and missiles for air-to-ground and air-to-air combat.
• Maneuverability: The Hunter was known for its smooth handling, robust design, and reliability. Its performance made it a popular aircraft among pilots.
• Combat Role: The Hawker Hunter served as both an interceptor and a ground-attack aircraft. Its versatile design allowed it to be used in multiple roles, from air superiority missions to close air support.

3. Indian Air Force and the Hawker Hunter:

• The Hawker Hunter was one of the primary aircraft used by the Indian Air Force during the 1965 Indo-Pak war. It was considered a superior aircraft to many of the older jet fighters in service at the time.
• Despite the Hunter’s technological advantages, M.M. Alam’s exceptional flying skills allowed him to defeat these aircraft decisively during dogfights, most notably in the skies over Sargodha.
• The Hunter was involved in several key air battles during the conflict, and its pilots were often engaged by PAF’s F-86 Sabres, including those flown by M.M. Alam.

Comparative Analysis

**1. Technological Comparison:

• F-86 Sabre: Despite being older and less powerful compared to the Hawker Hunter, the F-86 Sabre was highly maneuverable and had a combat-proven track record. It was an agile and reliable aircraft, particularly effective in dogfights.
• Hawker Hunter: The Hunter was a more modern aircraft with better speed, armament, and avionics. It had a higher top speed and could carry a more diverse payload, making it more versatile in various combat roles.

2. Tactical Superiority:

• M.M. Alam’s Tactical Genius: The technological edge of the Hawker Hunter was effectively neutralized by M.M. Alam’s superior tactics, quick decision-making, and precise shooting. His deep understanding of the F-86 Sabre’s capabilities allowed him to exploit its strengths and outmaneuver the Hunters.
• Dogfight Success: Alam’s ability to down five Hawker Hunters in under a minute was not just a demonstration of his flying skills but also a reflection of his deep tactical acumen. He capitalized on the Sabre’s strengths, such as its rapid acceleration and tighter turning radius, to dominate the aerial battle.

3. Historical Impact:

• Legacy of the F-86 Sabre: The success of the F-86 Sabre in the hands of pilots like M.M. Alam has become a celebrated chapter in military aviation history. The aircraft, despite its age, proved that skill and strategy could triumph over technological superiority.
• Role of the Hawker Hunter: While the Hawker Hunter was a formidable aircraft, its performance in the 1965 war, particularly against M.M. Alam, highlighted the importance of pilot expertise and tactical proficiency in determining the outcome of air engagements.

Conclusion

The aerial battles between the F-86 Sabre and the Hawker Hunter during the 1965 Indo-Pak war are a testament to the enduring truth that while technology plays a critical role in modern warfare, it is the skill, strategy, and courage of the pilot that ultimately determine victory. M.M. Alam’s legendary feats in the F-86 Sabre against the Indian Hawker Hunters remain one of the most remarkable stories in the history of aerial combat, and they continue to inspire future generations of fighter pilots around the world.

Warrior Major Shabir Sharif embraced martyrdom during the 1971 war on the 6^th of December 1971. The great figure of the 1971 war had captured high ground near Sulemanki by killing forty-three Indian soldiers and destroying four tanks.

He was born on 28 April 1943 in Kunjah, Gujrat District. He was commissioned in Frontier Force Regiment on 19 April 1964. In December 1971 Major Shabbir Sharif, being a company commander, 6th Frontier Force Regiment, was ordered to capture high ground near Sulemanki Headworks defended by more than a company of the Assam Regiment supported by a squadron of tanks. Major Shabbir Sharif captured that area, killing forty-three Indian soldiers and destroying four tanks. On the 3^rd of December, he along with his men deterred the Indian army at the bay and cleared the Jhangar post by crossing the minefield laid by the enemy. He was not hit by any obstacle so crossed the water by swimming with his troops and led them to achieve their objective. Major Shabbir Sharif and his men repulsed counter-attack by two enemy battalions.  And finally, on the 6^th of December 1971, his power of countering was broken by hitting him with a tank shell. He transcends this world for the permanent life.

He was awarded Nishan-e-Haider and Sitara-i-Jurat.

It would be perfectly fine to call him the symbol of valor and patriotism as he closed his eyes with this line: “Don’t lose the bridge.”  

When they are ready to embrace martyrs then how to celebrate their death. As these lines pictured them:

“Koi Hamain Kia Khak Mara Ga

Ham Tou Talabgar Hotay Hay Subha Sham Shahadad Ka Liya”

Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed had fought no less than an invader during the Kargil war at the Line of Control. He defended five strategic posts and countered the continuous attack by chasing and raids.  

The face of bravery was born on the 1^st of January 1970.  He belonged to the land of Swabi in KPK and from there he completed his intermediate from Government Post-Graduate College Swabi and then joined Pakistan Army. He was commissioned in the 27th Sind Regiment on 14 October 1994. Captain Karnal Sher Khan emerged as the symbol of mettle and courage during the Kargil conflict at the Line of Control. He set up personal examples of bravery and inflicted heavy losses on the enemy.

 He defended five strategic posts, which he established with his soldiers at the height of 17,000 feet in the Gultary area. On 5 July 1999, Indians, with the help of two battalions, managed to capture some portion of one of his posts. Despite facing all odds, he led a counter-attack and re-captured the lost portion. Captain Karnal Sher Khan also chased the enemy and conducted many raids in the enemy area. During one such raid, he went inside the enemy camp where he inflicted heavy losses. During the battle, he received a burst of fire in the chest and embraced ‘SHAHADAT’ on 5 July 1999.

He was awarded Nishan-e-Haider for all his bravery. The notion of all martyrs is well described in this verse:

“Ham Haq Par Jan Lutayan Ga Ham Shoq-e-Shahadad Wala Hay

Wo Sath Hamara Tarak Karda Jo Mout Sa Darnay wala Hay.”