“The first flight on the potent Rafale aircraft has instilled in me a renewed sense of pride in the nation’s defence capabilities,” says the President
In a historic moment, President of India and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, took a sortie in a Rafale fighter aircraft at the Air Force Station, Ambala, marking her as the first President of India to fly in two fighter jets of the Indian Air Force — the Sukhoi-30 MKI in 2023 and now the Rafale in 2025.
President flew for approximately 30 minutes, covering nearly 200 kilometers, with Group Captain Amit Gehani, Commanding Officer of the 17 Squadron, as the pilot. The Rafale flew at an altitude of 15,000 feet and reached speeds of around 700 kilometers per hour during the flight.
After completing the sortie, President Murmu penned her thoughts in the visitor’s book, describing the experience as “unforgettable.” She wrote, “The 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.”
President was also briefed on the operational capabilities of the Rafale fleet and the Indian Air Force’s preparedness in maintaining national security.
Notably, Ambala Air Force Station holds the distinction of being the first base in India to receive the Rafale jets from Dassault Aviation, France.
This landmark sortie underscores the President’s confidence in India’s defence prowess and celebrates the technological advancements and operational excellence of the Indian Air Force, reinforcing the nation’s growing strength in the skies.
