August 23, 2026 06:05 am (IST)
IAF hands over Dakota aircraft to Bangladesh Air Force
New Delhi, Sept 18 (IBNS): On a formal request from the Bangladesh Air Force and reviewing the historic ties, the Indian Air Force on Thursday handed over one Dakota aircraft from the IAF museum to the Bangladesh Air Force.
The aircraft was gifted by Air Marshal SS Soman, Air Officer Commanding in Chief Western Air Command to Air Marshal Muhammad Enamul Bari, Chief of Bangladesh Air Force in a befitting ceremony at Air Force Station Palam.
The Dakota aircraft has played a sterling role in the history of the Indian Air Force. Much nostalgia can be associated with the aircraft as it was one of the pioneers of the transport fleet of the Indian Air Force.
The aircraft played a crucial role in the 1947-48 war and a pivotal role in liberation of Bangladesh and formation of Bangladesh Air Force.
It was the first transport aircraft that landed at heights of 11500 ft in Leh by then Wg Cdr Mehar Singh.
The aircraft was used for transporting troops in Srinagar during 1947-48 war and also for the famous Tangail drop, (the biggest and most ambitious air drop operation since World War II).
Support Our Journalism
We cannot do without you.. your contribution supports unbiased journalism
IBNS is not driven by any ism- not wokeism, not racism, not skewed secularism, not hyper right-wing or left liberal ideals, nor by any hardline religious beliefs or hyper nationalism. We want to serve you good old objective news, as they are. We do not judge or preach. We let people decide for themselves. We only try to present factual and well-sourced news.
Support objective journalism for a small contribution.
Latest Headlines
Amit Shah’s big Darjeeling move: Centre promises ‘Permanent Political Solution’ for West Bengal hills
Sat, Aug 22 2026
From promise to protest: Why Annapurna Bhandar has become a test for BJP govt in Bengal
Sat, Aug 22 2026
‘Modi Chalisa’ at Press Club of India sparks row: PCI distances itself from PM cutout worship event
Sat, Aug 22 2026
iPhone EMI pressure leads to tragedy: Indian teenager, parents die after falling from Maharashtra hill
Sat, Aug 22 2026
One BJP, two voices: Bengal Minister Swapan Dasgupta’s Jadavpur remark clashes with ‘surgical strike’ call
Sat, Aug 22 2026
Dalit woman 'gangrape-murder' shocker in Karnataka: 4 arrested after body found in well
Sat, Aug 22 2026
Cockroaches, flies, chemicals near food: Mumbai FDA suspends licences of top eateries, clubs
Fri, Aug 21 2026
India dismisses Pakistan's 'frustration' over US envoy's J&K remark
Fri, Aug 21 2026
