President Murmu Creates History with Rafale Fighter Jet Sortie
President Droupadi Murmu has become the first Indian head of state to fly in the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) most advanced combat aircraft, the Rafale. The historic sortie took place from the Ambala Air Force Base in Haryana on Wednesday, underscoring the President's role as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and highlighting the nation's cutting-edge aerial capabilities.
This flight marks a significant milestone, making President Murmu the third president to undertake such an experience. Her predecessors, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in 2006 and Smt. Pratibha Patil in 2009, had previously flown in Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jets. This is also President Murmu’s second sortie in a fighter aircraft, following her flight in a Sukhoi-30 MKI from the Tezpur Air Force Station in April 2023. The Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari, was present at the Ambala base to mark the occasion.
The Rafale jets, manufactured by France's Dassault Aviation, represent the pinnacle of the IAF's combat fleet. India has inducted 36 of these multi-role fighters, which have significantly enhanced its air superiority and strike capabilities since their formal induction in September 2020. The aircraft are known for their advanced avionics, superior maneuverability, and potent weapons systems, playing a crucial role in India's defense strategy.
India's commitment to the platform is set to deepen with the planned acquisition of 26 Rafale M (Marine) variants for deployment on its aircraft carriers. Furthermore, plans are underway to establish a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Hyderabad for the Rafale's M-88 engines, fostering greater self-reliance and technical expertise within the country. The President's flight serves as a powerful symbol of the nation's confidence in its military hardware and the personnel who operate it.
