President Murmu Completes Historic Flight in HAL Prachand at Jaisalmer
On February 27, 2026, President Droupadi Murmu participated in a sortie aboard the indigenously developed HAL Prachand at Air Force Station Jaisalmer, underscoring India's advancing capabilities in indigenous defense technology.
The sortie was executed in a two-aircraft LCH formation. President Murmu was aboard the lead aircraft with Group Captain Nayan Shantilal Bahua, while Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, accompanied Group Captain A Mahendra in the second aircraft. The 25-minute mission included flights over Gadisar Lake and Jaisalmer Fort, culminating in an attack on a specified tank target.
In her comments in the visitor’s book, President Murmu described the sortie as an enriching experience and expressed pride in India's homegrown defense capabilities. She extended her congratulations to the Indian Air Force and the team at Air Force Station Jaisalmer for the successful execution of the mission.
This event adds to the President's history of engaging with frontline military platforms, having previously flown in the Sukhoi-30 MKI in 2023 and the Rafale fighter aircraft in 2025.
Later today, President Murmu is set to observe the Indian Air Force’s firepower demonstration, Exercise Vayu Shakti, in Jaisalmer, which will highlight the force's operational capabilities.
