11 Legend Pilots of Indian Air Force You Must Know

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has a rich history filled with extraordinary pilots who have displayed unmatched bravery, leadership, and innovation. These legends not only played pivotal roles during significant conflicts but also laid the groundwork for future generations of aviators. Here’s a look at 11 Legends Pilots of Indian Air Force You Must Know.

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1. Wg Cdr KK ‘Jumbo’ Majumdar DFC

Born: September 6, 1913; Died: February 17, 1945

Wing Commander KK ‘Jumbo’ Majumdar, born in Calcutta, was an eminent pilot whose name was included among the finest aviators of the Allied Forces at the end of World War II. He graduated from the Royal Flying College in December 1933, marking the beginning of a distinguished career in the Air Force. By November 1934, Pilot Officer KK Majumdar was assigned to No. 1 Squadron of the IAF at Drigh Road, Karachi, where he showcased remarkable leadership and courage.

His exemplary service earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), making him the first IAF pilot to receive this prestigious honor. Tragically, on February 17, 1945, Majumdar lost his life in an accident near Lahore while executing complex maneuvers during an airshow.

2. Air Cmde Mehar Singh

Born: March 20, 1915; Died: March 11, 1952

Air Commodore Mehar Singh hailed from Lyallpur and displayed a passion for flying from a young age. He joined the Royal Air Force College Cranwell in 1934, quickly earning the admiration of his peers for his flying prowess. Known affectionately as Baba Mehar Singh, he was respected for his strict yet caring leadership style. At just 29 years old, he received the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for his outstanding leadership and bravery.

His most memorable achievement was leading the first contingent of the Indian Army to Srinagar in a Dakota aircraft in 1948. Mehar Singh retired from the IAF in 1948, but his life was tragically cut short when he died in an air crash on March 11, 1952.

3. Air Marshal Subroto Mukerjee

Born: March 5, 1911 ; Died: November 8, 1960

Air Marshal Subroto Mukerjee was born into a well-known Bengali family and became one of the first six Indian cadets selected for flying training at the Royal Air Force College Cranwell at the age of 18. On October 8, 1932, he received his commission and made history by being the first Indian to command a flight, a squadron, a station, and eventually the entire service. Mukerjee played a significant role during the North-West Frontier Province operations in 1942 and was mentioned in dispatches.

His contributions were recognized with the Order of the British Empire (Military Division) in June 1945. He became the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Air Force in 1954 and passed away in 1960.

4. Fg Offr Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon

Born: July 17, 1943; Died: December 14, 1971

Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon was born in Rurka, Ludhiana District, Punjab. He followed in his father’s footsteps and was commissioned into the flying branch of the Indian Air Force on June 4, 1967. Sekhon exhibited extraordinary valor during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971, where he defended the Srinagar Air Base against Sabre aircraft while flying a Gnat.

For his lone yet valiant defense, he was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honor.

5. Air Vice Marshal Harjinder Singh

Born: February 4, 1909; Died: September 6, 1971

Harjinder Singh began his illustrious career in the Indian Air Force as a Hawai Sepoy (Air Soldier), eventually getting commissioned into the Royal Air Force on September 3, 1942. He was known for his engineering brilliance and foresight, notably constructing an aircraft at IAF Station Kanpur in 1958.

Rising to the rank of Air Vice Marshal, he became the first Commander-in-Chief of the Maintenance Command at Kanpur. Singh’s life was cut short when he passed away on September 6, 1971.

6. Air Chief Marshal Pratap Chandra Lal

Born: December 6, 1916; Died: August 4, 1982

Air Chief Marshal Pratap Chandra Lal was born in Allahabad and showed a keen interest in aviation from a young age. He earned his Amateur Pilot’s License at just 17. With the onset of World War II, he joined the Royal Indian Air Force and served until his retirement in 1973.

Lal held several prominent positions, including command of No. 7 Squadron during the Burma Campaign and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan. After retirement, he served as the Joint Chairman of Indian Airlines and Air India until 1980.

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7. Air Chief Marshal Om Prakash Mehra

Born: January 19, 1919; Died: November 8, 2015

Air Chief Marshal Om Prakash Mehra was born in Lahore and pursued his education at Government College University. He joined the RIAF as a Pilot Officer on November 30, 1940. Throughout his career, he commanded the prestigious 1 Squadron and was involved in key roles such as AOC-in-C of Maintenance Command during the 1965 war.

He became the Chief of Air Staff on January 15, 1973, and was honored with the Padma Vibhushan. After his distinguished service, Mehra served as Governor of Maharashtra and later Rajasthan.

8. Air Chief Marshal Dilbagh Singh

Born: March 10, 1926; Died: February 9, 2001

Air Chief Marshal Dilbagh Singh was born in Gurdaspur District, Punjab, and was commissioned as a pilot in the RIAF in 1944. His illustrious flying career saw him command various squadrons and play a crucial role in raising the first MiG-21 Squadron in India.

Notably, he made the first official “Supersonic Bang” over New Delhi. Singh served as the Chief of Air Staff from 1981 to 1984 and later became India’s Ambassador to Brazil from 1985 to 1987. He passed away in February 2001.

9. Air Chief Marshal Idris Hasan Latif

Born: June 9, 1923 ;Died: June 27, 2008

Air Chief Marshal Idris Hasan Latif was born in Hyderabad and educated at Nizam College. He joined the RIAF in 1942 and participated in the Burma Campaign during World War II. Latif served in several key positions, including Air Attaché at the Indian Embassy in Washington D.C. and Chief of the Air Staff in 1978.

After retiring, he served as Governor of Maharashtra and as the Indian Ambassador to France. He passed away on June 27, 2008.

10. Air Chief Marshal Lakshman Madhav Katre

Born: January 26, 1927; Died: July 1, 1985

Born in Madras, Air Chief Marshal Lakshman Madhav Katre was commissioned on April 9, 1945. He held command in various squadrons and expanded training facilities at the Air Force Academy. His leadership as AOC-in-C of both Eastern and Western Air Commands was pivotal.

Katre took over as Chief of Air Staff on September 4, 1984, and passed away unexpectedly on July 1, 1985, while still in active service.

11. Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma

Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma was born in Patiala on January 13, 1949, Punjab. He was commissioned into the IAF as a Pilot Officer in 1970 and became famous for his historic mission in 1984, where he flew aboard the Salyut 7 space station as part of a joint program between ISRO and the Soviet Intercosmos program.

Sharma spent eight days in space and returned a national hero, receiving the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, and the title of ‘Hero of the Soviet Union.’

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Conclusion

The legacy of these legendary pilots of the Indian Air Force is a testament to their courage, skill, and dedication to their nation. Each of these individuals not only contributed significantly to the IAF’s rich history but also inspired future generations of aviators. Their remarkable achievements and sacrifices continue to be celebrated and remembered as the bedrock of India’s aerial prowess.

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