From IAF’s colonial roots to supersonic era and commanding first MiG-21 squadron: Remembering Air Chief Marshal Dilbagh Singh

Early career and operational debut

Dilbagh Singh’s operational flying commenced shortly after commissioning. In 1945, he was posted to No. 1 Squadron, based at Kohat (now in Pakistan), where he flew the Hurricane fighter aircraft. This posting honed his combat readiness during the waning days of World War II.

His baptism by fire came during the First Indo-Pakistani War in October 1947, triggered by the tribal invasion of Jammu and Kashmir. As part of the fledgling Indian Air Force (IAF), Dilbagh Singh participated actively in air operations, including troop transports, reconnaissance, and ground support missions. These early experiences in the rugged Himalayan terrain under hostile conditions laid the foundation for his reputation as a daring and resourceful pilot.

Post-1947, Dilbagh Singh transitioned to flying the iconic Spitfire, a British WWII fighter that became a staple in the IAF’s inventory. His career during this period involved a mix of operational duties and instructional roles, reflecting the IAF’s rapid expansion in the post-independence era.

Commanding the first MiG-21 squadron: A milestone in IAF modernisation

One of Dilbagh Singh’s most significant contributions came in the early 1960s, as the IAF sought to modernise its fleet amid rising geopolitical tensions with China and Pakistan. In early 1963, the then wing commander was tasked with raising and commanding No. 28 Squadron, the IAF’s very first operational unit equipped with the Soviet MiG-21 supersonic fighter jet.

Based initially in Chandigarh with a modest order of battle of six MiG-21s, the squadron represented a quantum leap for the IAF, transitioning from subsonic aircraft like the Mystere IVA to Mach 2-capable interceptors.

Under Dilbagh Singh’s leadership, No. 28 Squadron underwent intensive training and integration, adapting to the MiG-21’s advanced avionics, speed, and delta-wing design. This was no small feat; the aircraft’s introduction required overcoming logistical challenges, including unfamiliar Soviet maintenance protocols and high-altitude performance issues in India’s diverse terrain.

Dilbagh Singh’s hands-on command ensured the squadron achieved operational readiness swiftly, setting the stage for the MiG-21’s pivotal role in subsequent conflicts. He handed over command to Wing Commander M S D Wollen (later Air Marshal) in May 1965, just months before the Second Indo-Pakistani War, and moved to Air Headquarters as deputy director (weapons). His tenure with No. 28 Squadron not only inducted the MiG-21 into IAF service but also established doctrinal precedents for future jet squadrons.

Key achievements and innovations

Dilbagh Singh’s career was marked by several groundbreaking accomplishments that advanced IAF capabilities:

* Supersonic milestone: In the mid-1950s, after a stint with the Mystere IVA, Dilbagh Singh created India’s first official ‘Supersonic Bang’—a sonic boom demonstration over New Delhi during a public showcase of the aircraft. This event symbolised the IAF’s entry into the jet age and captivated the nation, boosting public awareness of aviation prowess.

* Instructional and training roles: Following operational flying, he served as chief instructor at the Armament Training Wing in Jamnagar, where he refined gunnery and weapons training curricula. Later, he contributed to joint air exercises like ‘Shiksha’ with the Royal Air Force (RAF) and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), fostering international collaborations and introducing advanced radar systems to the IAF.

* Wartime and strategic contributions: During the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War, his expertise in weapons and tactics supported broader IAF operations, though he was in a staff role by then. His foresight in armament planning proved invaluable in maintaining air superiority.

Dilbagh Singh’s progressive assignments included roles at Air Headquarters, command of frontline bases, and contributions to the establishment of the Air Force Academy in 1967. He was also appointed commodore commandant of No. 28 Squadron later in his career, a fitting tribute to his foundational role.

Rise to the top: chief of the air staff

Dilbagh Singh’s ascent culminated in 1981 when he was promoted to Air Chief Marshal and appointed the 13th Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), succeeding Air Chief Marshal I H Latif. As the second Sikh to hold this position—after Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh—he served from September 1, 1981, to September 3, 1983, (or 1984, per some records), overseeing a transformative period for the IAF.

His tenure focused on fleet modernisation amid Cold War dynamics. Key initiatives included:

* Induction of the MiG-25 ‘Foxbat’ reconnaissance aircraft for high-altitude intelligence gathering.

* Operationalisation of the MiG-23 ‘Flogger’ variable-geometry fighter for enhanced strike capabilities.

* Selection of the Dassault Mirage 2000 for multi-role superiority, a decision that bolstered the IAF’s air defence for decades.

Under his leadership, the IAF emphasised self-reliance, training reforms, and infrastructure upgrades, ensuring readiness against evolving threats. Dilbagh Singh retired in 1984 after 40 years of service, having flown over 60 aircraft types, from biplanes to advanced jets.

Influencing generations of pilots

After retirement, Dilbagh Singh leveraged his expertise in diplomacy, serving as India’s ambassador to Brazil from 1985 to 1987. He represented India with the same precision he brought to aerial manoeuvres, strengthening bilateral ties in the aviation and defence sectors.

Dilbagh Singh passed away on February 9, 2001, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and leadership. He is remembered as a trailblazer who bridged the IAF’s colonial roots with its modern supersonic era. His command of the first MiG-21 squadron, in particular, symbolised India’s aviation ambitions, influencing generations of pilots.