New Delhi, Feb 27 (.) President Droupadi Murmu became the first Indian President to fly in an attack helicopter after taking a 25-minute sortie in the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter Prachand at Air Force Station Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, on Friday.
Earlier, she had undertaken sorties in the Sukhoi 30 MKI and Rafale in 2023 and 2025, respectively.
The mission was conducted as a two-aircraft LCH formation. President Murmu flew in the lead aircraft with Gp Capt Nayan Shantilal Bahua, while Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, and Gp Capt A Mahendra flew as Number 2 in the second aircraft.
During the approximately 25-minute mission, they flew over Gadisar Lake and Jaisalmer Fort and carried out an attack on a tank target.
In a mid-flight speech, Murmu delivered a message to the nation from the cockpit, “Prachand helicopter is a powerful symbol of self-reliance. At this moment, I am flying over the Jaisalmer district. I extend my heartfelt greetings and deepest gratitude to our brave soldiers. A warm salute to you, Jai Hind, Jai Bharat,” she said.
Later, in the visitor’s book, the President expressed her feelings by writing a brief note. “The sortie in India’s indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopter ‘Prachand’ is an enriching experience for me. This sortie has filled me with 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 Jaisalmer for successfully organising this sortie.”
In the evening, the President will witness the Indian Air Force’s Exercise Vayu Shakti at Jaisalmer.
. PWS MI PRS