President Droupadi Murmu Makes History with Unforgettable Rafale Fighter Jet Flight

President Droupadi Murmu flew in a Rafale fighter jet on Wednesday, calling it an "unforgettable experience".

New Delhi:

President Droupadi Murmu made history today by flying in the two-seater Rafale fighter jet of the Indian Air Force (IAF). This memorable flight makes her the first President of India to fly in two different fighter jets of the IAF, having previously flown in a Sukhoi-30MKI in 2023.

The government released several visuals documenting the President's 30-minute sortie, which covered approximately 200 kilometers.

Following the flight, President Murmu expressed her sentiments in the visitor's book: "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."

Later on social media platform X, she further shared her experience: "This flight in the Rafale is an unforgettable experience for me. Today, from this modern aircraft, I am seeing this ancient land (of Haryana) and Brahmsarovar (in Kurukshetra), which is a symbol of our cultural diversity and historical journey. My faith in our military capabilities is becoming even more firm."

The President, dressed in a G-suit and sunglasses, was seen giving a thumbs-up gesture before boarding the French-made jet, which was piloted by Group Captain Amit Gehani, the Commanding Officer of the 17 Squadron. The flight took off at 11:27 am.

Air Chief Marshal AP Singh also conducted a sortie in a separate aircraft from the same air base.

Upon arriving in Ambala, President Murmu received a ceremonial guard of honour. Before her flight, she was photographed with Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, who holds the distinction of being India's first woman Rafale fighter jet pilot.

The Rafale, manufactured by Dassault Aviation, was inducted into the IAF's 17 Squadron, known as the 'Golden Arrows', in September 2020 at Ambala Air Force Station. The initial five Rafale aircraft arrived from France in July 2020 and were inducted into the squadron. These jets were subsequently utilized in Operation Sindoor.