In a landmark event on October 29, 2025, President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu took to the skies in a Rafale fighter aircraft at Air Force Station Ambala, Haryana. This historic flight marks her as the first Indian President to have flown in two different fighter jets in the Indian Air Force (IAF), previously having experienced a sortie in a Sukhoi-30 MKI in 2023.
Air Force Station Ambala holds significant importance as the first base of the IAF to receive the Rafale aircraft from Dassault Aviation, France. During her approximately 30-minute flight, the President soared at around 15,000 feet, covering a distance of nearly 200 kilometers at a speed of 700 km/h. The sortie was expertly piloted by Group Captain Amit Gehani, the commanding officer of the 17 Squadron, aptly named the “Golden Arrows.”
Upon her return, President Murmu expressed her sentiments in the visitors’ book, stating, “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 organizing this sortie successfully.”
During her visit, President Murmu was briefed on the Rafale’s operational capabilities and the overall preparedness of the IAF, embodying a significant moment in India’s defense history.
Group Captain Amit Gehani, who played a pivotal role in this historic flight, serves as the commanding officer of No. 17 Squadron, known for operating the advanced Dassault Rafale jets. His leadership exemplifies the cutting-edge standards of India’s aerial warfare capabilities.
On the same day, Group Captain Gehani successfully completed the prestigious assignment of piloting the President in the Rafale, underscoring the professionalism and precision of the Indian Air Force. The sortie reached altitudes of 15,000 feet, covering a substantial distance while showcasing the formidable prowess of the aircraft.
Under Gehani’s command, No. 17 Squadron has garnered notable accolades, including a Unit Citation for “outstanding mission performance” during Operation Sindoor. This distinction speaks to the squadron’s exceptional training, operational readiness, and success in missions, reflecting Gehani’s capacity to inspire and lead one of the IAF’s elite fighter units.
The sortie with President Murmu not only represents a ceremonial achievement but also highlights the trust and confidence placed in Group Captain Gehani’s flying skills and command capabilities. His role serves as a reminder of the expertise, discipline, and bravery that define leadership in a frontline squadron equipped with some of the world’s most advanced fighter aircraft.
