President Murmu Completes Historic Rafale Jet Sortie at Ambala Air Base

On October 29, 2025, President Droupadi Murmu, who serves as the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, embarked on a significant flight aboard a Rafale fighter jet at the Ambala Air Force Station in Haryana. This marked her second experience in a combat aircraft, having previously flown in a Sukhoi-30 MKI at Tezpur Air Force Station, Assam, in April 2023. The approximately 30-minute sortie underscores India's military advancements and highlights the President's active engagement with the nation's defense forces.

Upon her arrival at the Ambala Air Force Station, President Murmu reviewed the Guard of Honour before boarding the aircraft. Group Captain Amit Gehani, the Commanding Officer of No. 17 Squadron, also known as the "Golden Arrows," piloted her flight. In a demonstration of military coordination, Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh accompanied her in a separate Rafale jet.

The Ambala base, a strategic site for operations during recent border tensions, hosted this notable event. President Murmu's participation underscores the importance of modern fighter jets in India's defense strategy and fosters national pride in the country's military technology, both indigenous and acquired.

This flight not only marks a personal milestone for the President but also aligns with efforts to demonstrate the Indian Air Force's operational readiness. The Indian Air Force undertook special preparations to ensure the event's success, highlighting careful planning and security measures. Such high-profile engagements play a vital role in increasing public awareness of India's defense capabilities.