15 Legendary Fighter Pilots in Indian Air Force History

Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh, DFC, wasn't just a fighter pilot—he was a legend who shaped the IAF's modern identity. A legendary World War II veteran and the architect of the IAF's air campaign during the 1965 Indo-Pak War, he earned the Padma Vibhushan for his leadership. He became the IAF's first Marshal and remains its only five-star officer, a symbol of courage, excellence, and service beyond self.

Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, PVC, etched his name into Indian military history during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. Scrambling his Folland Gnat into the skies over Srinagar, he singlehandedly engaged with six Pakistan Air Force F-86 Sabre jets to protect the airbase. His extraordinary courage and sacrifice earned him the Param Vir Chakra, making him the only IAF officer to receive the honour. Sekhon's legacy remains a timeless symbol of bravery, duty, and patriotism.

Wing Commander Karun Krishna “Jumbo” Majumdar, DFC & Bar, was one of the Indian Air Force's first true combat legends. During World War II, he led audacious missions in Burma, including daring low-level attacks on Japanese airfields in aircraft never designed for such combat. Known to be the first Indian to attain the rank of Wing Commander and among the most decorated Indian pilots of the war, he earned a Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) and Bar for exceptional gallantry.

Air Commodore Mehar Singh, MVC, DSO, was one of the Indian Air Force's most fearless pioneers. Known as “Mehar Baba,” he played a decisive role in the 1947–48 Indo-Pak War, leading the first Dakota landings at the besieged Poonch and the high-altitude airstrip in Leh—missions that proved crucial in securing these regions for India. Awarded the Distinguished Service Order and the Maha Vir Chakra, his life was tragically cut short in a civilian air crash in 1952.

Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma is best known for becoming the first Indian to travel to space, but his journey began as a distinguished Indian Air Force fighter pilot. Commissioned into the Indian Air Force in 1970, he flew 21 combat missions in a MiG-21 during the 1971 Indo-Pak War, demonstrating exceptional skill and courage. In 1982, he was selected for the historic Soviet-Indian space programme, becoming the first Indian in space two years later. His iconic response, “Saare Jahan Se Achha,” from orbit became a moment of national pride.

Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman, VrC, became a symbol of courage and professionalism during the 2019 India–Pakistan aerial standoff. Flying a MiG-21 Bison, he engaged enemy aircraft and was credited by India with downing a Pakistani F-16 despite being at a technological disadvantage. Captured after ejecting across the border and later repatriated, he displayed remarkable composure under intense pressure.

Air Chief Marshal Om Prakash Mehra was a distinguished fighter pilot and visionary leader. Commissioned during World War II, he built a reputation as a skilled aviator and rose through the ranks, becoming Chief of the Air Staff from 1973 to 1976. He has over 4,000 flying hours to his credit on a variety of fighter, transport, and helicopter aircraft. Some of the aircraft he flew include the Hart, Audax, Wapiti, Tiger, Spitfire, LS, and Oxford. Under his leadership, the IAF strengthened its operational capabilities in the post-1971 war era.

Air Chief Marshal Dilbagh Singh, PVSM, AVSM, VM, was a trailblazing fighter pilot who helped usher the Indian Air Force into the supersonic age. Flying everything from Spitfires to MiG-21s, he commanded India's first MiG-21 squadron and made history by executing the first official supersonic flight over New Delhi. As the 11th Chief of the Air Staff, he spearheaded the modernisation of the IAF, overseeing the induction of advanced aircraft such as the MiG-23 and MiG-25, as well as the selection of the Mirage 2000.

Flight Lieutenant (later Group Captain) Virender Singh Pathania, VrC, carved his name into Indian Air Force history during the 1965 Indo-Pak War by achieving one of India's first confirmed air-to-air victories. Flying the agile Folland Gnat, he shot down a Pakistani F-86 Sabre, helping establish the aircraft's legendary “Sabre Slayer” reputation. A combat veteran of the 1962, 1965, and 1971 wars, Pathania combined exceptional flying skill with fearless determination. His historic victory proved that courage and training could triumph over superior technology.

Air Marshal Denzil Keelor PVSM, KC, AVSM, also emerged as another legendary “Sabre Killer” of the 1965 Indo-Pak War. Flying the lightweight Folland Gnat, he shot down a technologically superior Pakistani F-86 Sabre, earning the Vir Chakra and helping establish the Gnat's fearsome reputation. Alongside his younger brother, Wing Commander Trevor Keelor, VrC, VM, he became part of one of the most celebrated sibling stories in Indian military aviation.

Wing Commander Trevor Keelor, VrC, VM, was one half of the legendary Keelor brothers who became synonymous with the Indian Air Force's success in the 1965 Indo-Pak War. Alongside his brother Denzil, he helped cement the Gnat's legendary "Sabre Slayer" reputation in Indian aviation history.

Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja, VrC, became one of the defining heroes of the Kargil War through an extraordinary act of courage and selflessness. During Operation Safed Sagar on May 27, 1999, he abandoned a safer course of action to search for Flight Lieutenant K Nachiketa, who had ejected behind enemy lines. Despite the threat of enemy missiles, Ahuja remained over hostile territory to relay rescue coordinates, ultimately sacrificing his own safety in the process. Shot down while carrying out this mission, he displayed the highest ideals of military brotherhood, duty, and courage.

Air Chief Marshal Pratap Chandra Lal, DFC, was one of the IAF's most influential fighter pilots and wartime leaders. Passionate about aviation from a young age, he became the youngest Indian to earn an Amateur Pilot's License at just 17. A distinguished World War II pilot awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, he later rose to become Chief of the Air Staff during the 1971 Indo-Pak War, overseeing the IAF's decisive contribution to India's victory and the creation of Bangladesh.

Air Marshal Subroto Mukerjee, OBE, is rightly remembered as the “Father of the Indian Air Force.” One of the first Indians trained at RAF Cranwell, he became the first Indian to command a flight, a squadron, and eventually the entire Air Force as its first Indian Chief of the Air Staff. A pioneering aviator and visionary leader, he guided the IAF through its formative years after Independence, overseeing its modernisation with advanced aircraft such as the Hunter, Canberra, Mystère, and Gnat. His leadership, foresight, and dedication laid the foundation for the world-class air force India commands today.

Squadron Leader Ajjamada Boppayya Devayya, MVC, is remembered as one of the Indian Air Force's greatest unsung heroes. During the 1965 Indo-Pak War, while flying a Mystère IV in a strike mission over Sargodha, he engaged a technologically superior Pakistani F-104 Starfighter in a fierce dogfight. Despite his aircraft being damaged, Devayya fought back and brought down the enemy jet before making the ultimate sacrifice. His extraordinary bravery remained unknown for years, earning him a posthumous Maha Vir Chakra in 1988—the only such award bestowed on an IAF officer.

The story of the Indian Air Force is, in many ways, the story of the extraordinary men and women who have flown its aircraft into the unknown. While this list highlights some of the most celebrated names in Indian aviation history, it is by no means exhaustive.

Countless other IAF pilots and personnel have displayed—and continue to display—extraordinary courage, professionalism, and sacrifice in the face of adversity, often far from the spotlight. Together, they embody the spirit of service, resilience, and excellence that has defined the Indian Air Force for generations and continues to safeguard the nation's skies.

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