On October 29, 2025, President Droupadi Murmu, as the Supreme Commander of the Indian Air Force (IAF), undertook a landmark 30-minute sortie in a Rafale fighter jet from Air Force Station Ambala in Haryana. The event marked a historic moment, making her the first Indian President to fly in two different IAF combat aircraft. Her earlier sortie in April 2023 aboard a Su-30 MKI at Tezpur, Assam, had already set a precedent for this milestone.
The sortie departed at approximately 11:27 a.m. from the Ambala airbase, with the Rafale under the command of Group Captain Amit Gehani, commanding officer of the IAF’s No. 17 Squadron “Golden Arrows.” The aircraft flew at an altitude of roughly 15,000 feet and reached speeds near 700 km/h, covering close to 200 kilometers over parts of Haryana before returning to base. Upon arrival, President Murmu was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour and was briefed on the operational capabilities of the Rafale aircraft and the IAF’s overall combat readiness.
In the visitor’s book, President Murmu wrote, “I am delighted to visit Air Force Station Ambala for my maiden flight on Rafale aircraft of the Indian Air Force. The sortie on Rafale is an unforgettable experience for me. This flight has instilled in me a renewed sense of pride in the nation’s defence capabilities.” Her words reflected the pride and trust in the professionalism and dedication of India’s air warriors who safeguard the nation’s skies.
The event carries deep symbolic importance. By flying in both a Su-30 MKI and a Rafale, President Murmu not only reinforced her ceremonial role as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces but also showcased India’s advancing air-combat capabilities. The Rafale, a French-designed multirole fighter jet inducted into the IAF in 2020, is known for its advanced avionics, precision strike capabilities, and versatility in both air-to-air and air-to-ground operations. Stationed at Ambala under No. 17 Squadron, the Rafale has become a cornerstone of India’s air superiority strategy.
Another notable moment from the day was the President’s interaction with Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, the IAF’s first woman Rafale pilot. The two posed together after the sortie—a powerful image that resonated as a symbol of gender empowerment and inclusion within India’s defence forces. The pairing of the nation’s first female President with a woman combat pilot aboard one of the most advanced jets in India’s arsenal was widely seen as a statement of progress and inspiration for future generations.
The timing of the sortie also highlights the IAF’s ongoing focus on modernization and readiness. As India strengthens its strategic deterrence and regional defence posture, the Rafale remains a central element of its modernization drive. The President’s flight served not only as a morale booster for the armed forces but also as a public reaffirmation of India’s commitment to maintaining cutting-edge defence capabilities.
President Murmu’s historic Rafale flight represents more than just a ceremonial gesture; it symbolizes India’s confidence, self-reliance, and unity of civilian and military leadership. As the first Indian President to fly in two different fighter jets, she has etched her name in history while reinforcing the message of national pride, gender inclusion, and unwavering commitment to the country’s defence preparedness.
