New Delhi, February 27: India’s Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, President Droupadi Murmu, made history on Friday by taking a special flight in the indigenously developed light combat helicopter ‘Prachand.’
On February 27, President Murmu was in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, where she witnessed the Indian Air Force’s major exercise, ‘Vayu Shakti.’ Upon her arrival, she boarded the indigenous light combat helicopter ‘Prachand,’ appearing in a flying helmet and flight suit.
The ‘Prachand’ helicopter is equipped with advanced technology and is specifically designed for operations in challenging combat conditions. It can operate in high-altitude areas as well. This flight symbolizes the country’s progress in indigenous defense capabilities and the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). The President’s flight was conducted in a formation with two ‘Prachand’ helicopters.
In the second helicopter, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh was present. The ‘Vayu Shakti 2026’ exercise, organized by the Indian Air Force, showcased various fighter aircraft, helicopters, and advanced weapon systems, demonstrating their striking power and precision. This exercise serves as a key platform to display the country’s air power, strategic readiness, and professional efficiency. Furthermore, this historic flight by the President is expected to boost the morale of the armed forces.
Additionally, it highlights the government’s commitment to indigenous defense production. Earlier, in December, President Murmu boarded the indigenously built Kalvari-class submarine INS Vaghshir at the naval base in Karwar, Karnataka. That journey was a powerful symbol of the Indian Navy’s capabilities and the defense manufacturing program of Atmanirbhar Bharat. During that mission, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi accompanied the President.
The President was briefed on the operational capabilities, stealth features, and weapon systems of the submarine. She was also provided detailed information about the Indian Navy’s underwater warfare network. This sortie was historic in many ways.
This was President Droupadi Murmu’s first visit to a Kalvari-class submarine, making her the second President in Indian history to do so. The first was former President and Bharat Ratna Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. In late October, President Murmu also flew in the Air Force’s ‘Rafale’ fighter jet, setting a new record. On October 29, she arrived at the Air Force station in Ambala, Haryana, where she took a sortie in the state-of-the-art ‘Rafale’ fighter jet, wearing a fighter pilot suit and all necessary equipment.
This was not the first time President Droupadi Murmu boarded a fighter jet of the Indian Air Force. Previously, on April 8, 2023, she flew in a Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jet at the Tezpur Air Force Station in Assam. During that flight, she shared experiences with Indian Air Force pilots, praising their efficiency, discipline, and dedication.
Defense experts believe that President Murmu’s flights in the Rafale, Sukhoi-30, INS Vaghshir submarine, and now the indigenous light combat helicopter ‘Prachand’ symbolize the modernization, capability, and defense efforts of the Indian armed forces.
On Friday, when President Murmu took flight in the Prachand helicopter, senior officials and the Air Force Chief were present. Through this sortie, the President saluted the valor, technical proficiency, and air power of the Indian Air Force.
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My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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