President Droupadi Murmu’s historic Rafale sortie at Ambala marks India’s new chapter in defence leadership
In a landmark event, President Droupadi Murmu took a Rafale sortie at Ambala, becoming the first Indian President
Veritas Times | News Desk Report
Ambala, Haryana , In a landmark moment for India’s defence history, President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday undertook a sortie aboard a Rafale fighter jet at the Ambala Air Force Station, becoming the first Indian President to fly in two different fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force.
The 30-minute sortie covered around 200 kilometres, reaching an altitude of approximately 15,000 feet with a top speed of nearly 700 km/h. The President described the flight as “an unforgettable and proud experience,” praising the professionalism and dedication of IAF pilots and crew.
President Murmu had earlier flown in a Sukhoi Su-30 MKI aircraft in April 2023. With the Rafale sortie, she now stands as the only Indian head of state to have experienced both Russian and French-origin frontline fighter jets.
Officials at the Ambala base , India’s first Rafale squadron , said the sortie was aimed at familiarising the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces with the operational capabilities of India’s most advanced combat platform.
Veritas Analysis:
This flight goes beyond ceremonial symbolism. It represents the synergy between leadership, technology, and national defence. President Murmu’s historic sortie sends a strong message of confidence in India’s air power and underscores the expanding visibility of women in positions of defence leadership.
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