Dilbagh Singh

For the singer, see Dilbagh Singh (singer).

For the Olympic athlete, see Dilbagh Singh Kler.

Air Chief Marshal Dilbagh Singh PVSM, AVSM, VM
File:Dilbag singh.jpg
Born	10 March 1926 Rahon Jalandhar district Punjab
Died	9 February 2001(2001-02-09) (aged 74) Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
Allegiance	British India (1945-1947) India (from 1947)
Service/branch	Indian Air Force (1945-1947) Indian Air Force (1947-1984)
Years of service	1945-1984
Rank	Air Chief Marshal
Unit	No. 1 Squadron
Commands held	Eastern Air Command Ambala Air Force Station 28 Squadron

Air Chief Marshal Dilbagh Singh, PVSM, AVSM, VM (10 March 1926 – 9 February 2001) was the head of the Indian Air Force from 1981 to 1984, as Chief of the Air Staff. He was the second Sikh to hold that position.

Dilbagh Singh was commissioned as a pilot in 1944. His operational flying career spanned the Spitfire to introducing the MiG-21 into service in India. He had earlier made the first official "Supersonic Bang" over India in New Delhi when the Mystere IV-A was showcased in a public demonstration.

He was India's Ambassador to Brazil from 1985 to 1987. He was a student of pandit Buta Ram of Rahon. His visit to Rahon to visit his teacher when he was Air Marshal is still remembered. He inspired scores of youngsters from Rahon and Nawanshahar region to join defense forces

External links

• Ex-Air Chief Dilbagh Singh dead, The Tribune, 11 Feb 2001
• Air Chiefs, www.bharat-rakshak.com
• Sikh Pilots in the Indian Air Force in World War Two, www.bharat-rakshak.com

Military offices
Preceded by Idris Latif	Chief of the Air Staff (India) 1981–1984	Succeeded by Lakshman Katre