MM Alam is a national hero in Pakistan and is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighter pilots in the history of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). He was born on July 6, 1935, in Kolkata, India, and migrated to Pakistan after the partition in 1947. He joined the PAF in 1952 and was trained in the United Kingdom before returning to Pakistan as a fighter pilot.
MM Alam is best known for his outstanding performance during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. On September 7, 1965, he flew a F-86 Sabre and shot down five Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jets in less than a minute, becoming the first jet ace in the history of the PAF. He achieved this feat in the air space over the Indian city of Amritsar and his bravery and skill earned him the nickname “Little Dragon” among his fellow pilots.
In addition to his five kills in a minute, MM Alam also shot down two more IAF fighter jets later in the same day, bringing his total tally to seven, a record that remains unbeaten to this day. For his outstanding performance during the war, MM Alam was awarded the Sitara-e-Jurat, Pakistan’s third-highest military award.
MM Alam’s achievement during the 1965 war was not his only contribution to the PAF. He also played a key role in the development of the PAF’s tactics and training methods, and his legacy continues to influence the PAF to this day.
In addition to his military career, MM Alam was also an accomplished sportsman and played cricket and hockey for the PAF. He retired from the PAF in 1982 as an Air Commodore after serving for 30 years.
MM Alam passed away on March 18, 2013, at the age of 77, but his legacy continues to inspire generations of Pakistanis, particularly those in the PAF. He is widely regarded as a national hero and his contribution to the defense of Pakistan will always be remembered.
MM Alam was a remarkable fighter pilot and a true hero who dedicated his life to the defense of Pakistan. His achievements in the 1965 war will always be remembered as a shining example of bravery and skill, and his legacy continues to inspire future generations of Pakistani fighter pilots.
