President Murmu Becomes First Indian Head of State to Fly in Rafale Fighter Jet
The 30-minute sortie, piloted by Group Captain Amit Gehani, Commanding Officer of the 17 Squadron, covered about 200 kilometres at an altitude of 15,000 feet and a speed of nearly 700 km per hour.
Ambala, October 30: President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday created history by taking a sortie in a Rafale fighter aircraft at the Ambala Air Force Station, becoming the first President of India to have flown in two different frontline fighter jets of the Indian Air Force.
The 30-minute sortie, piloted by Group Captain Amit Gehani, Commanding Officer of the 17 Squadron, covered about 200 kilometres at an altitude of 15,000 feet and a speed of nearly 700 km per hour.
Ambala, the first base to receive Rafale jets from France’s Dassault Aviation, witnessed a symbolic moment as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces experienced firsthand the capabilities of India’s most advanced combat aircraft.
After landing, the President described the experience as “unforgettable,” writing in the visitor’s book:
“This first flight on the potent Rafale aircraft has instilled in me a renewed sense of pride in the nation’s defence capabilities. I congratulate the Indian Air Force and the entire team of Air Force Station, Ambala, for organising this sortie successfully.”
The President was also briefed on the operational readiness and strategic features of the Rafale fleet, which has significantly enhanced the IAF’s strike capabilities.
Murmu had earlier taken a sortie in a Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft in 2023 — reinforcing her continued engagement with India’s defence forces and her appreciation for their professionalism and technological prowess.
