President Murmu's Historic Rafale Sortie Led by Group Captain Gehani at Ambala
On October 29, 2025, President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, completed a milestone sortie in a Rafale fighter jet at the Air Force Station in Ambala, Haryana. This flight marked her as the first Indian President to fly in two different fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force, following her earlier experience in a Sukhoi-30 MKI in 2023.
The Air Force Station Ambala is notable for being the initial base in India to receive the Rafale aircraft from Dassault Aviation, France. During the flight, President Murmu, who is also the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, covered approximately 200 kilometers in a 30-minute sortie, flying at an altitude of about 15,000 feet and reaching speeds of 700 km/h. The sortie was conducted by Group Captain Amit Gehani, who is the Commanding Officer of the 17 Squadron, known as the "Golden Arrows."
After the flight, the President expressed her thoughts in the visitors’ book, highlighting her pride and respect:
“The sortie on Rafale is an unforgettable experience for me. This first flight on the potent Rafale aircraft has instilled in me a renewed sense of pride in the nation's defence capabilities. I congratulate the Indian Air Force and the entire team of Air Force Station Ambala for organising this sortie successfully.”
During her visit, President Murmu was also briefed on the operational capabilities of the Rafale and the readiness of the Indian Air Force, marking another significant moment in India's defense history.
Group Captain Amit Gehani, who led the flight, is a prominent officer in the Indian Air Force, commanding the 17 Squadron, or "Golden Arrows," at Air Force Station Ambala. The squadron operates the Dassault Rafale fighter jets, which are among the most advanced multirole aircraft in the IAF’s fleet.
On this notable day, Group Captain Gehani piloted the Rafale aircraft with President Murmu onboard, creating a historic event in Indian aviation. The sortie from Ambala lasted around 30 minutes, reaching 15,000 feet in altitude and covering a distance of about 200 kilometers at a speed of 700 km/h. Entrusted with this prestigious task, Group Captain Gehani exemplified the Indian Air Force’s commitment to professionalism, precision, and operational excellence.
Under his leadership, No. 17 Squadron has received significant acclaim, including a Unit Citation for "outstanding mission performance" during Operation Sindoor. This accolade underscores the squadron's high levels of training, operational preparedness, and mission success, showcasing Group Captain Gehani’s ability to lead and inspire one of the IAF’s most elite units.
The President's sortie was not merely ceremonial but also a demonstration of the trust and confidence the IAF has in Group Captain Gehani's flying and command skills. His leadership serves as a testament to the expertise, discipline, and bravery required to command a frontline squadron equipped with state-of-the-art fighter aircraft.
