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Dang studied mathematics and philosophy at the University of Bristol, earning a BSc (Hons) degree before beginning his RAF career.
Indian-Origin Arshdeep Singh Dang Makes History As First Sikh RAF Fighter Pilot Since WWII
In a historic moment, Flight Lieutenant Arshdeep Singh Dang has become the first Sikh to graduate as a fighter pilot with the UK’s Royal Air Force (RAF) 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 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, although he was not the first Sikh to graduate from Basic Flying Training, Indian Express reported.
His achievement comes more than eight decades after a Sikh last completed the training required to serve in a British fighter squadron.
Who Is Arshdeep Singh Dang?
Born in Chandigarh in 1998, Dang moved to the UK with his family when he was six years old and grew up in Southall, London. Despite growing up in Britain, he has maintained close links with his Punjabi and Sikh heritage.
Dang studied mathematics and philosophy at the University of Bristol, earning a BSc (Hons) degree before beginning his RAF career.
He completed officer training in February 2022 and started elementary flying training the following year. After a deployment in Cyprus, he was selected for the RAF’s fast-jet training stream in 2024.
His advanced flying training continued through 2025. He undertook fast-jet training, including solo flying in Texas, before successfully completing his final wings test in July 2026.
A family Dream Fulfilled
In an interview with the news outlet, Dang has said that his paternal grandfather, Sardar Santokh Singh Dang, had wanted his father to become a pilot, but his grandfather’s death when his father was six meant that the dream could not be fulfilled.
Dang’s parents later encouraged him to pursue the ambition himself. He has credited his mother, Gagandeep Kaur, as an important source of support during his demanding training.
Speaking after his graduation, Dang said he felt privileged to represent the Sikh community internationally and hoped his achievement would inspire others.
He has also spoken about the Sikh principle of “chardi kalan”, associated with optimism, resilience and maintaining a positive spirit even during difficult circumstances.
Following A Sikh Aviation Legacy
Dang’s achievement also adds to the long history of Sikh service in British military aviation.
During World War I, Lieutenant Hardit Singh Malik became one of the first Indian pilots to serve with the Royal Flying Corps and was later known as the “Flying Sikh”.
During World War II, Squadron Leader Mohinder Singh Pujji served as an RAF fighter pilot and flew combat missions in Hawker Hurricanes. He was later awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Key Questions Answered
Ask News18Arshdeep Singh Dang hopes his achievement of becoming the first Sikh to attain fighter wings from an RAF fighter squadron since WWII will inspire others.
Ask News18About the Author
Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degre…Read More
London, United Kingdom (UK)
August 17, 2026, 10:43 IST
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