Jaisalmer: President Droupadi Murmu today undertook a 25-minute sortie in the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand at the Air Force Station in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. This marks the President’s third flight in a frontline Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft, following her earlier sorties in the Sukhoi-30 MKI in 2023 and the Rafale in 2025.
The mission was conducted as a two-aircraft LCH formation. President Murmu flew in the lead helicopter piloted by Group Captain Nayan Shantilal Bahua. Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh and Group Captain A Mahendra flew as the second aircraft in the formation.
During the flight, the formation flew over Gadisar Lake and Jaisalmer Fort. The President also witnessed the aircraft engaging a tank target during the mission.
In a note recorded in the visitorโs book, President Murmu described the flight in the indigenously developed helicopter as an enriching experience. She stated that the sortie had provided a renewed sense of pride in the defence capabilities of the country and congratulated the IAF and the team at Air Force Station Jaisalmer for the successful conduct of the mission.
The President is scheduled to witness the IAFโs Exercise Vayu Shakti in Jaisalmer later this evening.
