Highlights
First President to fly Rafale jet
33-minute sortie from Ambala AFS
IAF Chief briefed President before flight
Strengthens women-in-defence symbolism
Ambala, Oct 29:
President Droupadi Murmu scripted history on Wednesday by becoming the first Indian head of state to fly in a Rafale fighter jet at Ambala Air Force Station — the frontline base of the Indian Air Force’s No. 17 ‘Golden Arrows’ Squadron.
Dressed in an olive-green G-suit, President Murmu was briefed by Air Chief Marshal V. R. Chaudhari before taking the 30-minute sortie alongside Group Captain Abhinav Raj in a twin-seater Rafale.
“It is an unforgettable experience that showcases the professionalism, precision, and pride of the IAF,” the President told reporters afterward.
The sortie, conducted at 11:15 a.m., covered simulated combat manoeuvres over Haryana airspace. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called it a “moment of national pride,” saying it symbolises India’s increasing confidence in women’s leadership across all domains.
Significance
The Rafale fleet — inducted in 2020 from Dassault Aviation — is now central to India’s air-superiority doctrine. Murmu’s flight follows a tradition where Presidents inspect operational preparedness but rarely undertake airborne missions.
Aviation experts hailed the gesture as morale-boosting for women officers in combat roles. “It’s a message that the commander-in-chief stands shoulder to shoulder with her Air Warriors,” said Air Vice Marshal ( retd. ) Anil Kapoor.
Security and Protocol
Strict security cordons were enforced across Ambala Cantonment. The sortie lasted 33 minutes, after which President Murmu interacted with aircrew and families.
