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Arshdeep Singh Dang becomes first Sikh RAF fighter pilot since WWII
His family roots are in Punjab.
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Staff Reporter - Mon, 17, Aug 2026
- 01:12 EDT
- 36
Arshdeep Singh Dang / RAF
Indian-origin officer Flight Lt. Arshdeep Singh Dang has graduated as a fighter pilot from the Royal Air Force (RAF), making him the first Sikh to earn his fast-jet wings in the UK since World War II.
The 28-year-old received his fighter wings during a fast-jet pilot graduation ceremony at RAF Valley in North Wales on Aug. 14.
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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, although he was not the first Sikh to graduate from basic flying training.
Flt. Lt. Dang’s achievement marks a significant step forward in representation and diversity within the fast-jet community, it said.
His family roots are in Punjab.
Many congratulations to Flight Lieutenant Arshdeep Singh Dang on earning his RAF fighter pilot wings — continuing the proud legacy of Sikh fighter pilots who have served with distinction for generations. A historic and inspiring achievement. pic.twitter.com/qqV3DzaanQ
— SikhMilitaryFoundation (@SikhMilitaryFdn) August 16, 2026
Sikh pilots have a long history of bravery flying with the British military, starting with Hardit Singh Malik, who became the first Indian-origin combat pilot during World War I after refusing to remove his turban and wearing a custom flying helmet instead.
During World War II, heroes such as Squadron Leader Mohinder Singh Pujji earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for his combat missions across Europe, North Africa and Burma, while Flying Officer Manmohan Singh contributed greatly as a maritime patrol pilot.
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