The Indian Army has made history with its Hot Air Ballooning (HAB) Expedition that successfully journeyed from Bhopal to Pune, covering over 750 kilometers across two states. This expedition, organized by the Indian Army Adventure Wing and managed by the Hot Air Ballooning Node at the EME Centre in Bhopal, has set a new national record for the longest non-stop hot air balloon flight in the country.
Starting on November 30, 2025, the expedition took the team through diverse landscapes, including the picturesque Narmada Valley in Madhya Pradesh to the scenic Western Ghats in Maharashtra. Along the way, the team made stops at Mhow, Sambhajinagar, and Ahilyanagar, where they engaged with local youth. These interactions provided an invaluable chance for these young individuals to gain insight into hot air ballooning and to learn about the ethos of the Indian Army, which emphasizes adventure, resilience, and discipline.
A highlight of the expedition was an astounding non-stop hot air balloon flight lasting 8 hours and 44 minutes, a feat now recognized by the Asian Book of Records as the longest duration flight of its kind in India. This remarkable achievement underscores the participants’ extraordinary endurance, technical proficiency, and impeccable teamwork.
In addition to breaking records, the expedition served an important outreach purpose. The team connected with students and aspiring adventurers through motivational talks, demonstrations, and interactive sessions, which sparked interest in adventure sports and shed light on career opportunities within the Armed Forces.
Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, AVSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Command, commended the team’s dedication and record-setting success. He remarked that such endeavors not only foster a spirit of adventure within the Armed Forces but also contribute to forging meaningful relationships with the nation’s youth.
Through a combination of aviation expertise, youth engagement, and a groundbreaking record, the Indian Army’s HAB Expedition has emerged as a significant initiative that enhances India’s adventure sports landscape.
