President Droupadi Murmu Makes History with Rafale Sortie, Photographed by Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh at Ambala
In a historic achievement on October 29, 2025, President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, embarked on a flight in a Rafale fighter jet at Air Force Station Ambala in Haryana. This event marked her as the first Indian President to have flown in two different fighter jets of the Indian Air Force, following her earlier experience in a Sukhoi-30 MKI in 2023.
After the flight, a significant moment was captured when Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, among India's pioneering female Rafale pilots, took a photograph with President Murmu. This image represents the empowerment and strength of women within India's Armed Forces.
The sortie was piloted by Group Captain Amit Gehani, the Commanding Officer of No. 17 Squadron “Golden Arrows.” It spanned approximately 30 minutes, covering nearly 200 kilometers at an altitude of 15,000 feet and reaching speeds of 700 km/h. Air Force Station Ambala holds the distinction of being the first Indian Air Force base to receive Rafale aircraft from Dassault Aviation, France.
President Murmu described the experience as "unforgettable," noting it instilled a renewed sense of pride in the nation's defense capabilities. She praised the Indian Air Force and the Ambala station team for successfully organizing the flight.
This landmark occasion underscores India's advancing air power and the inclusive ethos of its armed forces. Female officers like Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh continue to inspire the next generation of defense aspirants.
