Cockpit under the windshield coating, with the navigator's station visible. The An-12 was inducted into the IAF on 01 Mar 1961. It was operated by No. 44 Sqn. "Himalayan Geese" and No. 25 Sqn. "Himalayan Eagles". The type was vital in moving personnel, ammunition, supplies and livestock between Chandigarh and J&K, providing an air bridge to the roof of the world. These aircraft were used in the Sino-Indian War of 1962 and Indo-Pak Wars of 1965 and 1971. The An-12 was phased out on 31 May 1993.