Indian-origin Sikh becomes first RAF fighter pilot since WWII

Flight Lieutenant Arshdeep Singh Dang, 28, has become the first Sikh pilot to earn fighter wings in Britain's Royal Air Force since World War II. He graduated during a fast-jet pilot ceremony at RAF Valley in North Wales on Friday, August 14. The Ministry of Defence said he was the first Sikh trainee to graduate on the Texan aircraft at 4 Flying Training School.

Born in Chandigarh in 1998, Dang moved to the UK with his family at age six. His father is from Ludhiana and his mother from Amritsar, the family now lives in Southall, England. He studied mathematics and philosophy at the University of Bristol, joined the RAF in 2021, completed officer training in February 2022, and passed his wings test in July 2026 after serving in Cyprus.

"I am privileged to represent my community on an international stage," Dang told The Indian Express. He credited his Sikh upbringing, which includes speaking Punjabi at home and regular gurdwara visits, for helping him maintain "chardi kalan" (high spirits) during difficult flights. He will now undergo another year of intensive training before progressing to frontline fighter aircraft.