President Droupadi Murmu Becomes First Indian President to Fly in a Rafale Jet

President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday made history by becoming the first Indian President to take a sortie in a Rafale fighter jet at the Air Force Station in Ambala, Haryana. Her flight marked a significant moment in India’s aviation and defence history, symbolizing the growing strength and confidence of the nation’s armed forces. The sortie highlighted not just a ceremonial event, but also the President’s personal acknowledgment of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) commitment, discipline, and technological prowess.

After completing the flight, President Murmu shared her experience on her official X handle, describing the event as “an unforgettable experience.” She wrote that the sortie on the Rafale fighter aircraft had instilled in her “a renewed sense of pride in the nation’s defence capabilities.” The President also congratulated the Indian Air Force and the entire team at the Ambala Air Force Station for successfully organizing the sortie, emphasizing her appreciation for their professionalism and dedication. Her words reflected deep respect for the armed forces and underlined the nation’s pride in its advanced defence systems.

Before the takeoff at 11:27 a.m., President Murmu posed for photographs, holding a flight helmet and wearing sunglasses. She was seen waving from inside the jet just moments before the aircraft began its journey. Her poised demeanor and calm confidence captured public admiration, symbolizing not only the ceremonial aspect of the flight but also her willingness to personally experience the operations of India’s modern air fleet.

The Rafale jets, which she flew in, have been one of the most advanced additions to the Indian Air Force. These aircraft were notably used during “Operation Sindoor,” India’s targeted and strategic response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. The Rafale, known for its precision strike capabilities, multi-role functions, and state-of-the-art technology, has significantly enhanced India’s aerial strength since its induction.

However, this was not President Murmu’s first experience with fighter aircraft. On April 8, 2023, she became the third President and the second woman head of state to take a sortie in a Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jet at the Tezpur Air Force Station in Assam. Before her, former Presidents Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Pratibha Patil had also undertaken similar flights in Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft — Kalam on June 8, 2006, and Patil on November 25, 2009. These sorties have served as symbolic gestures of appreciation and trust between the highest office in the country and the armed forces, demonstrating the leadership’s commitment to understanding military readiness firsthand.

The Rafale aircraft that President Murmu flew was manufactured by the French aerospace company Dassault Aviation. India received the first batch of Rafales from France on July 27, 2020. The aircraft were formally inducted into the Indian Air Force at the Ambala Air Force Station in September 2020, marking a major modernization milestone in India’s defence history. The Rafales have since played a vital role in strengthening India’s deterrence capabilities and regional security balance.

President Murmu’s sortie, therefore, goes beyond being a symbolic event. It represents India’s advancing defence capabilities, women’s empowerment in leadership, and a reaffirmation of faith in the nation’s armed forces. Her participation not only celebrates India’s technological progress but also serves as a tribute to the courage and dedication of the Indian Air Force.