Kolkata, January 31, 2026 – The Indian Air Force conducted a solemn ceremonial honor at Command Hospital (CH) Kolkata for the late Wing Commander Devender Jeet Singh Kler, VM, a distinguished veteran of the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War. Wreaths were laid on behalf of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) and the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Eastern Air Command (EAC), marking a poignant tribute to his service and legacy.
Personnel from the Indian Army’s Headquarters Eastern Command (HQ EC), along with Air Force members from Advance Headquarters EAC and Air Force Station Barrackpore, assembled to pay their respects to the officer’s mortal remains. The ceremony underscored the deep camaraderie and respect within the armed forces for Wing Commander Kler’s contributions to national defense.
Wing Commander Devender Jeet Singh Kler, who passed away on January 30, 2026, at Command Hospital Kolkata, was a highly decorated pilot known for his valor during the 1971 war, where he served as a Flying Officer with No. 22 Squadron, operating Gnat fighter jets. His actions played a role in the liberation of Bangladesh, a conflict he later reflected upon in interviews, emphasizing the sacrifices made by Indian forces to counter atrocities in East Pakistan. Notably, his father, Major General Hardev Singh Kler, MVC, AVSM, also served in the same theater during the war, creating a unique father-son legacy in military history.
In 1989, Wing Commander Kler was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal for his exceptional airmanship in handling a critical in-flight emergency involving an Ajeet aircraft in 1987. During a live rocket projectile sortie, he encountered a throttle malfunction but successfully executed a dead-stick landing, saving the aircraft at great personal risk. This act exemplified his professional skill and devotion to duty, aligning with the highest traditions of the Indian Air Force.
An alumnus of Mayo College (Batch of 1963), Wing Commander Kler’s passing has been mourned by veterans’ associations and former colleagues, who remember him as a dedicated servant of the nation. As recently as December 2024, during Vijay Diwas commemorations in Kolkata, he shared vivid recollections of the 1971 war, highlighting the enduring impact of those events on India’s military heritage.
The Eastern Air Command, in its official statement, expressed profound condolences to Wing Commander Kler’s family and affirmed that his service would continue to inspire future generations of air warriors. The ceremony at CH Kolkata served as a fitting farewell, reflecting the armed forces’ commitment to honoring their fallen heroes with dignity and respect.
