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"Its a great honour to the Indian Air Force and to me," said Arjan Singh on becoming the first ever marshal of the Indian Air Force.
The conferment of the rank is a recognition of the vital role that air power plays in the current security environment the world over, he said.
"It came as quite a surprise to me and I value it greatly," the 82-year-old fighter pilot, who has already been decorated with a Distinguished Flying Cross and the Padma Vibhushan Bar-one, said.
Singh said the government's decision signalled its desire to strengthen the armed forces, and in particular the air force.
"Along with economic progress, the security of the country has to be a top priority," he said.
The first marshal of the air force said the government should look after the defence forces by equipping them with better weapons, equipment and looking after the welfare of the personnel.
Describing the IAF as one of the most professional and finest fighting force, Singh said his continued involvement with the force was a sense of "pride and fulfilment" to him.
Describing the government action as "well-timed", the former air force chief said the IAF had to play a very crucial role in any future conflict faced by India.
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