President of India Takes a Sortie in a Rafale Aircraft at Ambala

IN NEWS: President of India Takes a Sortie in a Rafale Aircraft at Ambala

Analysis

1. Historic Milestone in Indian Defence Leadership
   • On 29 October 2025, President Droupadi Murmu became the first President of India to undertake sorties in two different fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF): the Sukhoi-30 MKI (2023) and now the Rafale.
   • The sortie took place at Air Force Station, Ambala (Haryana) — the first base to induct Rafale aircraft from Dassault Aviation, France.
   • This event symbolizes not only the President’s role as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, but also the growing pride in India’s modern air power and technological excellence.
2. Details of the Rafale Sortie
   • Duration: ~30 minutes
   • Distance covered: ~200 km
   • Altitude: 15,000 feet
   • Speed: ~700 km/h
   • Pilot: Group Captain Amit Gehani, Commanding Officer, 17 Squadron ("Golden Arrows")
   • The sortie offered a firsthand experience of the Rafale’s operational performance, maneuverability, and combat capabilities.
3. President’s Statement and Sentiment
   • President Murmu described the sortie as an “unforgettable experience”, adding that it instilled a renewed sense of pride in India’s defence preparedness.
   • In her written remarks, she congratulated the Indian Air Force and the Air Force Station Ambala team for the successful organisation of the sortie.
   • Her message reflects the nation’s confidence in the operational readiness and professional excellence of the IAF.
4. Symbolic and Strategic Importance
   • The event underscores India’s commitment to strengthening its air defence ecosystem, with the Rafale serving as a strategic asset in maintaining regional air superiority.
   • It also highlights the visibility of women’s leadership at the highest constitutional level in engagements traditionally dominated by the armed forces, showcasing a progressive and inclusive national outlook.

Static / Background Information

• Rafale Fighter Jet – Overview:
  • Origin: Dassault Aviation, France
  • Type: 4.5-generation multirole fighter aircraft
  • Role: Capable of air supremacy, interdiction, reconnaissance, and nuclear deterrence missions.
  • Induction in IAF: First batch inducted in July 2020 at Ambala Air Force Station.
  • Equipped with advanced systems such as Meteor and MICA missiles, Spectra electronic warfare suite, and Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar.
  • Enhances IAF’s precision strike and beyond-visual-range combat capabilities.
• 17 Squadron “Golden Arrows”:
  • Reinstated in 2019 after Rafale induction.
  • One of IAF’s elite squadrons, known for operational excellence.
  • Played a key role in modernising IAF’s frontline combat fleet.
• Women Leadership and Defence Engagements:
  • President Droupadi Murmu’s participation continues the legacy of symbolic engagements by India’s Heads of State in defence exercises and sorties — affirming the civilian oversight and morale-boosting role of the Presidency.
  • Reflects the growing integration of gender diversity across India’s defence ecosystem.

Updated – 29 Oct 2025 ; 1:48 PM | PIB

Source: PIB Press Release