On April 23, 2002, history was made when Air Chief Marshal Arjan Singh was bestowed with the title of Marshal of the Indian Air Force (IAF) by the then President of India, K.R. Narayanan. This moment marked a significant milestone, as Singh became the first-ever Marshal of the Indian Air Force, a rank equivalent to a five-star General in the army.
Born in 1919 in Lyallpur, now part of Pakistan, Arjan Singh’s life was a saga of exemplary dedication and service. His father, S. Kishan Singh, a civil engineer working with the Ceylon Railway, instilled in him a strong work ethic and sense of duty. Singh’s aviation journey began with his training at the prestigious Royal Air Force College in Cranwell, United Kingdom. Commissioned in 1939, his career soared to extraordinary heights from the very beginning.
A Hero of World War II
Singh first distinguished himself during World War II, where he commanded No. 1 Squadron of the IAF from September 1943. His exceptional leadership and gallantry against Japanese forces in the Burma campaign of 1943-44 earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), a rare honor for an Indian at the time. His strategic acumen during the Siege of Imphal led to him being affectionately called the “Lion of Imphal,” a title that underscored his pivotal role in a challenging chapter of the war.
Rising Through the Ranks
In 1964, Arjan Singh was appointed as the Chief of the Air Staff, becoming the youngest person to hold the position at the age of 45. His tenure coincided with one of the most critical periods in Indian military history—the 1965 war with Pakistan. Under his leadership, the IAF displayed unmatched supremacy over the Pakistan Air Force, an achievement that earned him the nation’s second-highest civilian honor, the Padma Vibhushan. Singh’s strategic brilliance during the war was lauded widely, with Lt. General (Retd.) B.M. Kaul praising his contributions in the book The Untold Story.
In recognition of his unparalleled leadership during the war, Singh’s post was elevated to Air Chief Marshal in 1966, making him the first Indian to achieve this rank. That same year, he also became the Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee, a testament to his ability to inspire and lead across the armed forces.
A Legacy of Excellence
Throughout his illustrious career, Marshal Arjan Singh remained a symbol of courage, professionalism, and dedication. Known as an “inspiring Squadron Commander,” he successfully completed numerous operational missions under extreme conditions, showcasing his exceptional flying skills and resilience. His peers and subordinates alike admired his calm demeanor, high morale, and unwavering commitment to the nation.
Marshal Arjan Singh’s journey from a young cadet in Cranwell to becoming the Marshal of the Indian Air Force is a story of inspiration and pride for every Indian. His legacy not only transformed the Indian Air Force but also set a benchmark of excellence for generations to come.
