President Murmu Takes Historic Rafale Jet Sortie at Ambala | IAF News
In a historic moment for India’s defence forces, President Droupadi Murmu today undertook a sortie in a Rafale fighter jet at the Ambala Air Force Station. With this flight, she becomes the first President of India to fly in two frontline fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force — the Sukhoi-30 MKI in 2023 and now the Rafale.
The Rafale aircraft, part of the Indian Air Force’s elite fleet, was piloted by Group Captain Amit Gehani, Commanding Officer of the 17 Squadron “Golden Arrows”. The President flew for around 30 minutes, covering nearly 200 km, reaching an altitude of 15,000 ft and speeds close to 700 km/h.
Ambala Air Force Station holds strategic importance as it was the first base to receive Rafale jets from Dassault Aviation, France.
As the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, President Murmu described her experience as deeply inspiring. In her note in the visitor’s book, she wrote:
“I am delighted to visit Air Force Station Ambala for my maiden flight on the Rafale aircraft of the Indian Air Force. The sortie on Rafale is an unforgettable experience. This first flight has instilled in me a renewed sense of pride in the nation’s defence capabilities. I congratulate the Indian Air Force and Team Ambala for organising this sortie successfully.”
During the visit, President Murmu was also briefed about the Rafale’s advanced combat features and the operational readiness of the Indian Air Force.
