Tension between India and Pakistan had progressively escalated over the years, culminating on 1 September 1965 in a massive attack in the Chhamb sector by Pakistani forces. Possessing the plan in having chosen the time and place to strike and enjoying devastating numerical advantage in the sector in both armour and troops, Pakistan posed a grave threat to Indian forces on the ground and so, in response to urgent requests for air strikes against Pakistani armour advancing in the Chhamb-Jaurian secto.

Vampire FBMk.52s of No. 45 Squadron, at the time undergoing operational training at a forward base, mounted their first sorties at 17:45 hours on the first day of the conflict, and on their heels came the Mysteries of Nos.3 and 31 Squadrons operating from Pathankot. The Pakistani armored power was spread out. IAF Gnats proved their mettle in shooting down PAF Sabres in this sector, the first of airborne victories being rough by Nos. 23 and 9 Squadrons. Rapidly growing, full-scale warfare broke out on 6 September all along the international border between West Pakistan and India.