President Murmu takes sortie in Rafale at Ambala air base; India’s first Prez to fly in two IAF fighter jets

CHANDIGARH: President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday undertook a sortie in a Rafale aircraft at the Air Force Station in Ambala, becoming the first Indian President to have flown in two different fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF). Earlier, on April 8, 2023, she had taken a sortie in a Sukhoi-30 MKI at the Tezpur Air Force Station in Assam.She flew for around 30 minutes, covering about 200 kilometres before returning to the air force station. The aircraft was piloted by Group Captain Amit Gehani, Commanding Officer (CO) of the 17 Squadron — also known as the “Golden Arrows.” The aircraft flew at an altitude of around 15,000 feet above sea level and at a speed of about 700 kilometres per hour.Sharing her experience in the Rafale, the President wrote in the visitor’s book: “I am delighted to visit Air Force Station Ambala for my maiden flight on Rafale aircraft of the Indian Air Force.

The sortie on Rafale is an unforgettable experience for me. 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.

”Before boarding the fighter aircraft, President Murmu, dressed in a G-suit and holding a helmet, posed for photographs with the pilot.

During her short visit to the air base, she was also briefed on the operational capabilities of the Rafale and the Indian Air Force.The fourth-generation and most advanced Rafale jets were inducted into the Indian Air Force at Ambala Air Base on September 10, 2020. The jets were also used during Operation Sindoor, a military operation carried out by India against Pakistan following the Pahalgam terrorist attack.