Chandigarh, October 29: President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu was accorded a warm welcome by Haryana’s Energy, Transport & Labour Minister Sh. Anil Vijon behalf of the State Government upon her arrival at the Ambala Air Force Station today.
Following a brief interaction with Minister Anil Vij, The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu took a sortie in a Rafale aircraft at Air Force Station, Ambala (Haryana) today. She is the first President of India to have taken sortie in two fighter aircrafts of the Indian Air Force. Earlier, she took a sortie in Sukhoi 30 MKI in 2023.
Air Force Station, Ambala is the first Air Force Station where Rafale aircrafts arrived from Dassault Aviation Facility, France.
The President, who is the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, flew for approximately 30 minutes covering about 200 kilometers before returning to the Air Force Station. The aircraft was flown by Group Captain Amit Gehani, Commanding Officer of the 17 Squadron. The aircraft flew at a height of about 15000 ft above sea level and at a speed of about 700 kilometers per hour.
Later in the visitor’s book, the President expressed her feelings by writing a brief note in which she said “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 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.”
On this occasion, the President was briefed in detail about the technical features, operational capabilities, and the strategic significance of the Rafale aircraft in strengthening India’s defence preparedness.
During the event, Energy Minister Sh. Anil Vij and other distinguished guests posed for a group photograph with the President.
On this occasion, the senior officers of the Indian Air Force, Ambala Divisional Commissioner Sh. Sanjeev Verma, IG Ambala Range Sh. Pankaj Nain, Deputy Commissioner Sh. Ajay Singh Tomar, Superintendent of Police Sh. Ajit Singh Sekhawat, and other administrative officials were present.
