Birth Anniversary of Air Force Marshal Arjan Singh

• 01 May 2025

Source: PIB 

The 106^th birth anniversary of Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh was commemorated with the unveiling of his bust (stone model) at Astha Senior Citizen Home, Delhi.  

Air Force Marshal Arjan Singh 

• He was born in 1919 in Lyallpur (now in Pakistan), was commissioned into the Royal Indian Air Force in 1939 and awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for his role in the Burma Campaign during World War II.  
  • He became Chief of Air Staff in 1964 at the age of 44.  
• During the 1965 Indo-Pak war, his decisive leadership enabled the IAF to repel Pakistan’s offensive in Akhnoor within hours, earning him the Padma Vibhushan.  
• In 2002, he became the only IAF officer to be conferred the Five-Star rank of Marshal of the Air Force.  
• Post-retirement, he served as ambassador and Lt Governor of Delhi. 

Five-Star Ranks in the Indian Armed Forces 

• The five-star ranks in the Indian Armed Forces- Field Marshal (Army), Marshal of the Air Force (Air Force), and Admiral of the Fleet (Navy) represent the highest military honours and are awarded for exceptional service.  
• These ranks are rarely conferred and are held for life, with the officers considered serving personnel until death.  
• Field Marshal has been awarded only to K.M. Cariappa and Sam Manekshaw, while Admiral of the Fleet, have not yet been awarded. 

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