# How India’s Tiny Gnat Challenged Pakistan’s Sabres 2026-08-06T14:41:39+00:00 | Technology | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet A 1967 Indian postage stamp celebrated the Gnat, the small jet fighter that became a symbol of India’s air power after the 1965 war. The aircraft was designed in Britain by Teddy Petter as a low-cost, lightweight alternative to larger interceptors. India signed an agreement in 1956 to buy the aircraft and manufacture it under licence at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in Bengaluru. The Gnat lacked radar and suffered from difficult hydraulics, control problems and uneven thrust during take-off. In the air, however, it offered a rapid climb, light controls and a small profile. Pakistan’s F-86 Sabres had stronger equipment, armour and firepower, along with American support and Sidewinder missiles. ## Coverage - swarajyamag.com Tags: 1965 war, Gnat, Indian Air Force, military aviation, Pakistan Air Force Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/how-indias-tiny-gnat-challenged-pakistans-sabres/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/how-indias-tiny-gnat-challenged-pakistans-sabres/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.