Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh, DFC, was India’s oldest-serving officer and a highly respected leader in the military. With a strong strategic vision and exceptional competence, he held various key positions, including Chief of the Air Staff. Born into a family with an army background, Singh was the first in his family to achieve the rank of a commissioned officer. He made history by leading the first fly-past of an RIAF aircraft over Delhi’s Red Fort on India’s Independence Day in 1947. Throughout his illustrious career, he achieved many milestones, becoming the first IAF officer to reach the rank of Air Chief Marshal and later the first and only IAF officer to be promoted to Marshal of the Indian Air Force. Even after retirement, Singh continued to serve his country as a diplomat and advisor to the Indian government. Sadly, he passed away in 2017 at the age of 98, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and dedication to the Indian Air Force.
Quick Facts
- Indian Celebrities Born In April Died At Age: 98
- Family: Spouse/Ex-: Teji Arjan Singh (m. ?–2011), father: Kishan Singh, mother: Kartar Kaur, children: Arvind Singh
- Born Country: India
- Military Leaders
- Indian Men
- Height: 5’7″ (170 cm), 5’7″ Males
- Died on: September 16, 2017
- Cause of Death: Cardiac Arrest
- More Facts
- Education: Royal Air Force College Cranwell (1938–1939)
- Awards: Padma Vibhushan, General Service Medal 1947, Samar Seva Star, Raksha Medal, Sainya Seva Medal, Indian Independence Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, 1939–1945 Star, Burma Star, War Medal 1939–1945, India Service Medal
Childhood & Early Life
Arjan Singh was born on 15 April 1919, in Lyallpur, Punjab, British India (currently Faisalabad, Pakistan), to Kishan Singh and Kartar Kaur. His father served as a Lance Daffadar at the time of his birth and later retired as a full Risaldar. Singh received his early education in Montgomery, British India. In 1938, he joined the RAF College Cranwell.
Military Career
On 23 December 1939, Arjan Singh was commissioned as a Pilot Officer in the Royal Air Force. He served as a flying officer and flight lieutenant in 1941 and 1942, respectively. He was then promoted to the rank of acting squadron leader and led No. 1 Squadron, Indian Air Force, during the 1944 Arakan Campaign. In 1945, Singh commanded the Indian Air Force Exhibition Flight. He led the first fly-past of RIAF aircraft over Delhi’s Red Fort on 15 August 1947. After independence, he was promoted to Group Captain (acting) of the Royal Indian Air Force and became the director of training at air headquarters in 1949. He later became Air Commodore of the Indian Air Force AOC. From May 1958 to January 1961, he served as Air Vice Marshal, Air Officer in Charge. In early 1963, he became Deputy Chief of Air Staff and eventually acquired the rank of Vice Chief of the Air Staff. On 1 August 1964, Singh became Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) at the age of 45. He held the position until 15 July 1969. In January 1966, he became the first IAF Chief of the Air Staff to be upgraded to the rank of Air Chief Marshal and was elected as chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee. Singh retired in 1969 at the age of 50 and was honored with the title of Marshal of the Indian Air Force on 26 January 2002, becoming the first and only IAF officer to be promoted to a five-star rank.
Post Military Career
In 1971, Arjan Singh became the Indian Ambassador to Switzerland and also concurrently served as the Indian Ambassador to the Vatican. From 1974 to 1977, he served as the High Commissioner to Kenya. Concurrently, he served as a member of the Government of India and the National Commission for Minorities from 1975 to 1981. He was the Lt. Governor of Delhi from late 1989 to late 1990.
Awards & Medals
Arjan Singh received numerous medals and awards for his exceptional military service. He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan for leading the Indian Air Force during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. He also received several other honors, including the General Service Medal 1947, Raksha Medal, Samar Seva Star, Sainya Seva Medal, Indian Independence Medal, Burma Star, India Service Medal, and Distinguished Flying Cross, among others.
Family & Personal Life
Arjan Singh’s grandfather Risaldar Major Hukam Singh was associated with the Guides Cavalry, and his great-grandfather, Naib Risaldar Sultana Singh, was enlisted in the Guides Cavalry. In 1948, Singh married Teji Singh, and they had three children. His niece is the renowned actress and television personality Mandira Bedi.
Death & Legacy
Arjan Singh suffered a cardiac arrest at his home on 16 September 2017 and passed away that evening at New Delhi’s Army Hospital, Research and Referral at the age of 98. In April 2016, the Indian Air Force base at Panagarh in West Bengal was named Air Force Station Arjan Singh in his honor.