Close air support
In 1965, P/Off Mehdi participated in the [[Close air support|closed air]] [[Indo-Pakistani Air War of 1965|combat operations]] during the [[Indo-Pakistani war of 1965|second war]] with [[India]] where he flew his [[F-86 Sabre]] against the Indian [[Folland Gnat]]. After the war, Mehdi was promoted as [[Flying Officer|F/Off]] in 1966; and [[Flight Lieutenant|Flight-Lieutenant]] in 1969.