Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh, DFC, was the first IAF Chief to lead the force into war, commanding during the 1965 Indo-Pak War. Born on April 15, 1919, in Lyalpur, he joined the RAF Cranwell in 1938 and began his career flying Westland Wapiti biplanes. During World War II, he led No.1 Squadron against Japanese forces in Burma, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) in 1944.
After independence, he played a key role in shaping the IAF, commanding multiple operational commands and leading the historic 1947 fly-past over the Red Fort. In 1964, he became Chief of the Air Staff, maintaining his flying category and piloting over 60 aircraft types. During the 1965 war, he led the IAF in countering Pakistan’s Operation Grand Slam. For his leadership, he received the Padma Vibhushan, and the rank of Air Chief Marshal was introduced in his honor.
Post-retirement, he served as India’s Ambassador to Switzerland. In 2002, he was conferred the honorary rank of Marshal of the Air Force, making him the only five-star IAF officer. His contributions remain a source of inspiration for generations of Air Warriors.