Arjan Singh

Arjan Singh (15 April 1919 – 16 September 2017) was one of India’s most distinguished air force officers and the only individual ever to hold the five-star rank of Marshal of the Indian Air Force. His illustrious career, spanning over three decades, symbolised the growth and evolution of the Indian Air Force (IAF) from its early years under British rule to an independent and modern air power. Known for his leadership during the 1965 Indo-Pakistan War, he became an enduring figure of courage, professionalism, and national pride.

Early Life and Education

Arjan Singh was born in Lyallpur (now Faisalabad, Pakistan) into a Jat Sikh family with a strong military tradition. His father, grandfather, and great-grandfather all served in the armed forces, inspiring him to pursue a similar path. He received his early education in Montgomery (now in Pakistan) before being selected for training at the Royal Air Force College, Cranwell in the United Kingdom in 1938. He was only 19 at the time and graduated in 1939, emerging as one of the most promising Indian cadets.
An exceptional student and sportsman, Singh excelled in athletics and swimming during his training. His early years instilled in him the qualities of discipline, determination, and leadership that defined his later career.

Early Military Career

Arjan Singh was commissioned as a Pilot Officer in December 1939 and was posted to No. 1 Squadron of the Royal Indian Air Force, flying Westland Wapiti biplanes on operations along the North-West Frontier. During the Second World War, he served with distinction in the Burma Campaign against the Japanese, commanding No. 1 Squadron and leading several successful missions. His gallantry and leadership earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC).
After independence in 1947, he played a key role in reorganising and expanding the Indian Air Force. On 15 August 1947, he led the first fly-past of Indian Air Force aircraft over the Red Fort in Delhi, a symbolic moment marking the nation’s freedom.

Leadership and the 1965 Indo-Pakistan War

By 1964, Arjan Singh had risen to the position of Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), the highest post in the Indian Air Force. At the time, he was only 44 years old—the youngest officer ever to hold this position. His tenure coincided with one of the most crucial periods in India’s military history: the Indo-Pakistan War of 1965.
Under his command, the Indian Air Force demonstrated exceptional courage and professionalism. The IAF carried out extensive operations, achieving air superiority and supporting ground forces effectively. Singh’s calm leadership and strategic vision ensured that the Air Force performed with distinction despite limited resources and the challenges of transitioning to jet aircraft. His ability to inspire confidence and maintain morale earned him admiration both within the military and among the public.
In recognition of his exceptional leadership, he was promoted to the newly created rank of Air Chief Marshal in 1966—the first officer in Indian Air Force history to hold this four-star rank.

Later Career and Civil Service

Arjan Singh retired from active service in 1969, concluding an extraordinary career that spanned from biplanes to supersonic jets. However, his service to the nation continued in various diplomatic and administrative capacities.
He served as Ambassador to Switzerland and later as High Commissioner to Kenya, representing India’s interests abroad with distinction. In the 1980s, he became Chairman of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, contributing to higher education and research. In December 1989, he was appointed Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, where he served for one year.

Rank of Marshal of the Indian Air Force

In 2002, in recognition of his unparalleled service and contribution to Indian military history, Arjan Singh was conferred the five-star rank of Marshal of the Indian Air Force—a distinction equivalent to that of a Field Marshal in the Indian Army. He remains the only officer in the history of the IAF to have been awarded this honour. The rank symbolised not just his personal achievements, but also the coming of age of the Indian Air Force as an institution of global standing.

Legacy and Contributions

Arjan Singh’s contributions to India’s defence and diplomacy were manifold:

• Military Leadership: He oversaw the modernisation of the Indian Air Force, guiding its transition into a technologically advanced and strategically capable force.
• Wartime Command: His leadership during the 1965 war became a defining moment for the IAF’s reputation.
• Institution Building: Through his roles in education and governance, he extended his influence beyond military service, strengthening national institutions.
• Mentorship: Known for his humility and dedication, he mentored generations of officers, setting high standards of professionalism and integrity.

He flew over 60 types of aircraft during his career, reflecting his adaptability and technical expertise. Even after retirement, he remained closely associated with the IAF, attending official events and serving as a respected figurehead for veterans and airmen alike.

Honours and Recognition

For his exemplary service, Arjan Singh received numerous national and international honours, including the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) and the Padma Vibhushan, one of India’s highest civilian awards. His name was also immortalised through various military and public institutions, including the Arjan Singh Air Force Base at Panagarh in West Bengal, named in his honour in 2016.