Seeking to revive historic ties, the Indian Air Force has gifted avintage Dakota Aircraft from its museum (September 2014) to theBangladesh Air Force. The Dakota aircraft was given on a formalrequest from Bangladesh Air Force to review and revive the historic ties between the two countries. TheDakota aircraft played a crucial role in the liberation of Bangladesh and the formation of Bangladesh Air Force. The aircraft was used for air dropping Army troops in Bangladesh’s Tangail during the 1971 war. It was also used for transporting troops in Srinagar during the 1947-48 war with Pakistan for protecting Kashmir Valley from the raiders from across the border. Dakota was the first transport aircraft to be landed at the heights of 11,500 feet in Leh by legendary pilot Wing Commander Mehar Singh.