Indian-Origin Sikh Becomes First To Graduate As RAF Fighter Pilot Since World War II

Indian-origin Flight Lieutenant Arshdeep Singh Dang, 28, has become the first Sikh to graduate as a fighter pilot in Britain’s Royal Air Force (RAF), marking what the RAF described as the first time a Sikh has earned wings from a fighter squadron since World War II.

Dang graduated during a fast-jet pilot ceremony at RAF Valley in North Wales on August 14. The RAF said he was the first Sikh trainee to graduate on the Texan aircraft at 4 Flying Training School under the UK Military Flying Training System.

From Chandigarh To The RAF

Born in Chandigarh in 1998, Dang moved to the UK with his family when he was six. His father, Jagdeep Singh Dang, is from Ludhiana, while his mother, Gagandeep Kaur, is from Amritsar. The family now lives in Southall, England.

Dang studied mathematics and philosophy at the University of Bristol before completing officer training in February 2022 and elementary flying training in 2023.

He later served in Cyprus before being selected for the fast-jet stream in 2024.

Passed Wings Test In July 2026

Dang began fast-jet lead-in training in March 2025 and basic fast-jet training in July that year. He was sent solo to Texas in October 2025 and passed his wings test in July 2026.

He will now undergo another year of intensive training before progressing to frontline fighter aircraft.

"I am privileged to represent my community on an international stage. I am the first Sikh to achieve this since World War II, but I don’t want to be the last," Dang told The Indian Express.

Grandfather's Dream Inspired His Journey

Dang said his achievement was closely connected to a dream his paternal grandfather, Sardar Santokh Singh Dang, had for his father.

"It was my paternal grandfather Sardar Santokh Singh Dang’s dream that my father should be a pilot. But my grandfather died when my father was just 6. So my father never really had those opportunities or resources to fulfil his wish. My parents encouraged me, and I started to believe that I could be a pilot. And it happened," he said.

He credited his family and Sikh upbringing for helping him through the demanding training. Dang described his mother as his "pillar of strength" and said his parents had encouraged him throughout his journey.

'Chardi Kalan' Helped During Difficult Flights

Dang said his family continues to speak Punjabi at home and regularly visits the gurdwara.

He also credited the Sikh concept of "chardi kalan", or maintaining a positive and resilient spirit, with helping him cope during difficult flights.

His achievement adds to the history of Indian-origin aviators who have served in British military aviation, including World War I flying ace Indra Lal Roy and Sikh aviation pioneers Hardit Singh Malik and Squadron Leader Mohinder Singh Pujji.