NEW DELHI: Retired Flight Lieutenant Alfred Tyrone Cooke, the decorated Indian Air Force war hero known for taking on four Pakistani fighter jets single-handedly during the 1965 India-Pakistan war, died in New Delhi on Saturday. He was 87.
The Indian Air Force paid tribute to Cooke, describing his aerial battle over Kalaikunda as one of its finest moments in combat aviation.
“His legendary dogfight over Kalaikunda remains a masterclass in aggressive air combat and unwavering resolve. For his conspicuous gallantry, tactical brilliance, and disregard to personal safety, he was awarded the Vir Chakra.”
The battle took place on September 7, 1965, when the Pakistan Air Force launched a surprise strike on the Kalaikunda airbase in West Bengal, damaging several Indian aircraft on the ground. A second wave of F-86 Sabre jets was sent to continue the attack.
Cooke and his wingman, Flying Officer Subodh Chandra Mamgain, were patrolling the area in Hawker Hunter aircraft when they intercepted the Pakistani fighters.
Despite being outnumbered four-to-one, Cooke engaged the enemy aircraft. Gun camera footage confirmed that he hit three F-86 Sabres, shot down one aircraft, killing its pilot, and severely damaged two others.
Even after running out of ammunition, Cooke continued chasing the fourth Sabre at low altitude, forcing the Pakistani pilot to abandon the attack and retreat across the border.
His action blunted the Pakistan Air Force’s offensive over eastern India and earned him the Vir Chakra for gallantry during the 1965 war.
