Read how Sikhs shaped Indian Air Force while serving as IAF Chief
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, September 24, 2024: Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh was appointed as the next Chief of the Indian Air Force. He will take over the top post on September 30 when the incumbent Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari retires on superannuation.
It is worth mentioning that this is not the first time that the Indian Air Force will have a Sikh as its Chief.
Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh will be the fourth Sikh to be appointed as Indian Air Force Chief. Along with the Indian Army, the contribution of Sikhs to the Indian Air Force is etched in history with glory.
Sikhs have made remarkable contributions to the top leadership of the Indian Air Force, with four holding the position of Chief of Air Staff:
1. Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh was the first and only officer to achieve the five-star rank, serving as Chief from 1964 to 1969, and playing a pivotal role in the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War.
2. Air Chief Marshal Dilbagh Singh modernized the IAF’s fighter fleet during his tenure from 1981 to 1984.
3. Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa, Chief from 2017 to 2019, led the force during the 2019 Balakot airstrike.
4. Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh, appointed Vice Chief in 2023, has now joined the ranks of these distinguished leaders.
