Operation Kilo Flight

"Kilo Flight"
The DHC-3 Otter used by the Mukti bahini aviation group
ActiveAugust 1971–March 1972
CountryBangladesh

Bangladesh

AllegianceProvisional Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh
Branchবাংলাদেশ বিমান বাহিনী
Bānglādēśh Bimān Bāhinī
TypeMilitary aviation
RoleHit and Run Raids, Supply runs, Air Rescue
Part ofBangladesh Armed Forces
Nickname(s)BAF1
AnniversariesArmed Forces Day (November 21)
EngagementsBangladesh Liberation War
Commanders
Chief of Air StaffGroup Captain A.K. Khandker BU
Officer Commanding Kilo FlightFlight Lieutenant Sultan Mahmud BU
Insignia
Ensign
Roundel
Fin Flash
Aircraft flown
BomberDe Havilland Canada DHC -3 Otter (converted)
HelicopterAerospatiale Alouette III (converted)
TransportDakota

Kilo Flight was the code name for the Mukti Bahini combat aviation formation during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. It consisted of one DHC-3 Otter plane and one Alouette III helicopter, both carrying rocket pods and machine guns for launching hit-and-run attacks on Pakistani targets, and one DC-3 Dakota for logistical missions. 9 Bengali pilots and 58 former PAF personnel formed the unit under the command of Group Captain A. K. Khandker in September 1971. The aircraft were supplied by Indian Authorities and the formation was led by Squadron Leader Sultan Mahmud under the operational control of IAF base Jorhat. The unit started training in October 1971 at Dimapur in Nagaland, and this unit was the first to launch airstrikes on Pakistani targets in East Pakistan on December 4, 1971, by attacking oil depots at Narayanganj and Chittagong. In total the unit flew 90 sorties and 40 combat missions between December 4 and 16, 1971. After the war, this unit formed the core of the nascent Bangladesh Air Force.