In a significant display of military capability, President Droupadi Murmu, the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, is set to take a sortie in a Rafale fighter jet at the Ambala Air Force Station in Haryana on Wednesday, as announced by Rashtrapati Bhavan. This event marks a milestone in the ongoing tradition of Presidents engaging with the Indian Air Force (IAF) through firsthand flight experiences.
The Rafale, developed by French aerospace giant Dassault Aviation, represents one of the most advanced multirole fighter jets in the IAF’s arsenal. Officially inducted into service in September 2020, Rafale jets have played a pivotal role in enhancing India’s air combat capabilities, transitioning the country into a more formidable aerial power.
According to a statement from Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Murmu’s visit to Ambala signifies not only her firsthand experience of IAF operations but also underscores the importance of showcasing India’s aerial strength. She will become the first Indian head of state to fly in a Rafale, following a long-standing tradition that includes previous sorties by other Presidents.
Earlier this year, on April 8, 2023, President Murmu flew in a Sukhoi-30MKI from the Tezpur Air Force Station in Assam, making her the third President and second female head of state to undertake such an adventure. This was not the first instance; Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Pratibha Patil also took to the skies in Sukhoi-30MKI aircraft during their presidencies, showcasing a historic connection between leadership and the IAF.
The Rafale jets gained significant attention during Operation Sindoor, initiated in May 2025 in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam. Over four days, the Rafale fleet operated by the IAF’s elite 17 Squadron, known as ‘Golden Arrows’, executed precision strikes that confirmed their strategic value in contemporary military engagements.
India’s journey to integrating Rafale jets began with the arrival of the first batch of five aircraft from France on July 27, 2020, followed by their formal induction at Ambala. Since that time, the Rafale has been hailed as a transformative asset, equipping the IAF with advanced avionics, superior agility, and robust electronic warfare systems.
President Murmu’s forthcoming flight in the Rafale is poised to serve multiple purposes: it will not only demonstrate the operational capabilities of the IAF but also reinforce India’s commitment to maintaining a state-of-the-art defense readiness amidst evolving regional security challenges. This sortie will likely be a moment of national pride, reflecting the country’s strategic ambitions and its focus on enhancing military preparedness.
