In Pictures: President Droupadi Murmu flies in Rafale jet from Ambala, creates history

President Droupadi Murmu arrived at Ambala Air Force Station today and was formally greeted with a ceremonial guard of honour (Source: Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)

The President donned a G-suit and helmet preparatory gear before boarding the Rafale, marking the seriousness of the mission (Source: Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)

The Rafale fighter jet took off with President Droupadi Murmu aboard, marking a significant moment in her role as Supreme Commander of India’s Armed Forces and highlighting the strength of India’s air capabilities (Source: Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)

This sortie makes her the first President of India to fly in two different fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force, having previously flown in a Sukhoi-30 MKI in April 2023 (Source: Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)

During the flight she met Shivangi Singh, India’s only woman Rafale pilot, highlighting gender progression in elite military roles (Source: Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)

The Rafale jet is part of India’s modern-generation fighter aircraft fleet, and this flight underlines the synergy between civilian leadership and national defence capabilities (Source: Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)

On completion of the sortie, President Murmu returned to base, praised the Indian Air Force personnel and emphasised renewed national pride in the country’s defence readiness (Source: Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)