​​​​​​​President Droupadi Murmu Takes Sortie in Rafale Fighter Jet at Ambala Air Base

Ambala, October 29, 2025:

• President Droupadi Murmu made history by taking a 30-minute sortie in a Rafale fighter jet at the Ambala Air Force Station in Haryana. The event highlighted India’s growing air defence capabilities and the symbolic role of women leadership in national security. The President, as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces , was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour on her arrival.

Historic Flight

• President Murmu boarded the twin-seater Rafale aircraft at 11:27 a.m. , dressed in a G-suit and full flight gear, and waved from the cockpit before take-off. The sortie was conducted under the supervision of Air Chief Marshal AP Singh , who accompanied the flight in another aircraft. On landing, she was warmly received by Indian Air Force personnel.

Continuing the Presidential Legacy

• This marks President Murmu’s second fighter jet sortie since assuming office. In April 2023 , she flew in a Sukhoi-30 MKI from Tezpur Air Base , becoming the third Indian President and second woman head of state to do so. Former Presidents Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam (2006) and Pratibha Patil (2009) also undertook similar sorties, symbolising the President’s close connection with the armed forces.

Rafale in India’s Defence Fleet

• Manufactured by Dassault Aviation , the Rafale was formally inducted into the Indian Air Force in September 2020 under the 17 Squadron ‘Golden Arrows’ . The jet played a key role in Operation Sindoor (May 2025) , targeting terror infrastructure across the border. Known for its precision, agility, and advanced avionics, the Rafale strengthens India’s aerial dominance and strategic deterrence.

Key Facts for Exams

• Event: President Droupadi Murmu’s Rafale sortie

• Date: October 29, 2025

• Location: Ambala Air Force Station, Haryana

• Aircraft: Rafale (Dassault Aviation)

• Previous Presidential Sorties:

  • Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam – 2006 (Sukhoi-30 MKI)

  • Pratibha Patil – 2009 (Sukhoi-30 MKI)

  • Droupadi Murmu – 2023 (Sukhoi-30 MKI), 2025 (Rafale)

• Operation Mentioned: Operation Sindoor (May 2025)

Significance
The Rafale sortie by President Murmu underscores India’s defence readiness, women’s leadership in national affairs, and the strong bond between the Commander-in-Chief and the armed forces protecting the nation’s airspace.