President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday experienced her first flight in a Rafale fighter jet, describing the sortie as an “unforgettable experience” and a moment of immense pride in India’s defence prowess. The 30-minute flight took place at the Ambala Air Force Station, where she covered roughly 200 kilometers in the skies over Haryana.
Following the sortie, President Murmu penned her reflections in the visitor’s book, expressing gratitude to the Indian Air Force for organizing the experience. She wrote that her first flight aboard the Rafale had given her a renewed sense of confidence and pride in the nation’s defence forces and technological advancement. She congratulated the Air Force personnel at Ambala for their professionalism and successful coordination.
As the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, President Murmu was flown by Group Captain Amit Gehani, Commanding Officer of No. 17 Squadron, famously known as the ‘Golden Arrows’. The aircraft soared to an altitude of approximately 15,000 feet and reached speeds of nearly 700 kilometers per hour during the flight.
Prior to takeoff, the President received a ceremonial guard of honor and a detailed briefing on the Rafale’s operational capabilities and the Indian Air Force’s mission readiness. She also met Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, India’s first woman pilot to fly the Rafale, who was present ahead of the flight.
In a symbolic gesture of leadership, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh also joined the mission, piloting another Rafale from the same fleet to lead a formation sortie alongside the President’s aircraft.
Ambala Air Force Station holds special significance as the first base in India to receive Rafale jets from Dassault Aviation’s facility in France. The Golden Arrows Squadron, which operates these state-of-the-art aircraft, was honored with a Unit Citation during the 93rd Air Force Day celebrations for its contributions during Operation Sindoor.
This isn’t the President’s first airborne mission—she previously flew in a Sukhoi Su-30MKI from Tezpur Air Force Station in Assam on April 8, 2023, becoming the first Indian President to take sorties in two different fighter jets.
