In a historic moment for India’s defence and constitutional history, President Droupadi Murmu took a 30-minute sortie in the Rafale fighter jet on October 29, 2025, from Ambala Air Force Station in Haryana. This made her the first President of India to fly in the Rafale, and notably, the only one to have flown in two different Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter aircraft—the Rafale and the Sukhoi Su-30 MKI.
A Dual Milestone in Defence Leadership
- The sortie is a symbolic reaffirmation of her position as the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces.
- Earlier, on April 8, 2023, President Murmu had taken a sortie in a Sukhoi Su‑30 MKI from Tezpur Air Force Station in Assam.
- With the Rafale flight, she set a precedent by becoming the first Indian head of state to experience both frontline jets of the IAF.
Ambala Sortie: Flight Details and Significance
- President Murmu flew in the Rafale twin-seater trainer variant, accompanied by Group Captain Amit Gehani, the Commanding Officer of the 17 Squadron, also known as the “Golden Arrows.”
- The sortie lasted approximately 30 minutes and included standard manoeuvres showcasing the aircraft’s agility and high-speed capability.
- The Rafale, a French-origin multi-role fighter, was inducted into the IAF in 2020, with Ambala as its first base.
- The aircraft played a vital role in enhancing India’s aerial defence capabilities and has been involved in major operations like Operation Sindoor.
Why This Event Matters
- President Murmu’s participation in the sortie is more than ceremonial.
- It highlights the civil-military harmony and the active symbolic role the President plays in understanding and supporting India’s armed forces.
- It also serves to boost morale among defence personnel and raise public awareness about India’s strategic capabilities.
- Such actions by the President help bridge the gap between the ceremonial and operational aspects of national security, showing that constitutional heads are actively engaged in the ethos of national defence.
Key Takeaways (Static Facts)
- Aircraft: Rafale fighter jet (twin-seat trainer)
- Base: Ambala Air Force Station, Haryana
- Pilot: Group Captain Amit Gehani
- Previous Sortie: Sukhoi Su‑30 MKI on April 8, 2023, at Tezpur, Assam
- Historic First: First Indian President to fly in two different IAF fighter jets
- Duration: ~30 minutes
- Position: Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces
- Significance: Demonstrates civilian-military synergy and boosts defence morale