Arjan Singh, Marshal of IAF and 1965 war hero, dies at 98

New Delhi: Marshal Arjan Singh, who led the Indian Air Force in the 1965 India-Pakistan War, died here on Saturday after a massive heart attack. He was 98.

He was rushed to the Army Research and Referral Hospital in a critical condition following the cardiac arrest and was put on a ventilator.

Singh was India's oldest five-star ranked air force officer. He is also the only IAF officer to be given a distinction equal to that of a Field Marshal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind expressed grief over his demise.

"India mourns the unfortunate demise of Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh. We remember his outstanding service to the nation," PM tweeted.

The President said, "Sad at demise of a great air warrior and Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh. Condolences to his family and IAF community.

"Marshal of the IAF Arjan Singh was a WWII hero and won our nation's gratitude for his military leadership in 1965 war."

Singh had served as the Chief of Air Staff from August 1, 1964 to July 15, 1969. He retired from the service in 1970 at the age of 50.