President Droupadi Murmu Flies Sortie in IAF’s Iconic Rafale Fighter Jet; Expresses Pride in India’s Defence Capabilities
In a historic moment for the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, President Smt Droupadi Murmu, undertook a sortie in the formidable Rafale fighter jet. This landmark event, which took place at Air Force Station Ambala, underscores the nation’s growing aerial prowess and has ignited a renewed sense of pride in India’s defence capabilities.
A Presidential Milestone in the Skies
On October 29, 2025, President Murmu took to the skies in a Rafale aircraft, solidifying a unique personal record. With this flight, she became the first President of India to have flown in two different IAF fighter aircraft, having previously taken a sortie in a Sukhoi-30 MKI in 2023. This act not only highlights her hands-on leadership but also serves as a powerful symbol of the nation’s trust in its armed forces.
The Rafale Sortie: A Display of Precision and Power
The presidential flight was a demonstration of the Rafale’s advanced operational capabilities. The aircraft, flown by Group Captain Amit Gehani, Commanding Officer of the 17 Squadron, was airborne for approximately 30 minutes. Covering a distance of about 200 kilometers, the Rafale soared at an altitude of 15,000 feet and reached speeds of around 700 km per hour, showcasing its agility and power.
“A Renewed Sense of Pride”
Following the exhilarating experience, President Murmu expressed her profound feelings in the visitor’s book at Ambala Air Force Station. She described the sortie as an “unforgettable experience.” The President notably wrote that her first flight on the potent Rafale aircraft had instilled in her a renewed sense of pride in the nation’s defence capabilities. She extended her congratulations to the IAF and the team at Ambala for the flawless execution of the event.
President of India, Droupadi Murmu, made history by flying in a Rafale fighter jet at Ambala Air Force Station, becoming the first Indian President to take sorties in both Rafale and Sukhoi-30MKI aircraft. 🇮🇳✈️#DroupadiMurmu #Rafale #IndianAirForce #Ambala #IndiaDefence… pic.twitter.com/ydPqES3IL4
— PuneNow (@itspunenow) October 29, 2025
Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh
Incidentally, President Droupadi Murmu posed for a picture with Sqn Ldr Shivangi Singh, at AFS Ambala airbase, who Pakistan influencers & media claimed was captured by Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. This picture was also shared by the official X handle of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Why Ambala Air Force Station is Significant
The choice of location for this historic flight is itself noteworthy. Air Force Station Ambala holds the distinction of being the first IAF base to receive the Rafale aircraft upon their arrival from the Dassault Aviation facility in France. It is home to the elite 17 Squadron, the “Golden Arrows,” which is tasked with operating these multirole fighters and forms a crucial part of India’s strategic defence architecture.
