Tributes pour in for Marshal of Air Force Arjan Singh on 106th birth anniversary
The Ministry of Defence (MoD), Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), and Indian Air Force (IAF) on Tuesday paid glowing tributes to Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh on the occasion of his 106th birth anniversary.
CDS General Anil Chauhan, in a message on social media platform X, said, “All ranks of the Indian Armed Forces pay tribute to Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh, DFC, on his 106th Birth Anniversary. His strategic brilliance and unparalleled contributions to India’s military history continue to inspire generations.”
The Ministry of Defence hailed his service, calling him “a legendary icon, fearless air warrior, and hero of the 1965 war.”
“His legacy of valor and dedication continues to inspire generations,” the MoD spokesperson added in a post on X.
The Indian Air Force, in its message, said, “On the 106th Birth Anniversary of the legendary Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh, IAF honors the remarkable legacy of a visionary leader.”
Promoted to the rank of Marshal of the Air Force in 2002, he remains the only officer in the history of the IAF to hold the prestigious five-star rank, the IAF said.
Born on May 15, 1919 in Lyallpur, Arjan Singh was educated at Montgomery and later at Government College in Lahore. He was selected for the flying training course at Cranwell in 1939 and was among the last Indian officers to be trained there. He was commissioned as a pilot in the Royal Indian Air Force in December 1939.
He joined No. 1 Squadron at Ambala, first on Wapiti aircraft and then converted to Hurricane aircraft. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) in 1944 for his outstanding leadership in Burma campaign during World War II.
He was appointed as the Chief of the Air Staff in July 1964 and promoted to the rank of Air Chief Marshal in December 1965.
The Air Chief Marshal Arjan Singh, after 33 years of retirement was made the first ever ‘Marshal of the Air Force’ in recognition of his extra ordinary services on January 25, 2002. He passed away on September 16, 2017.
India