Historic Achievement in Indian Defence
President Murmu’s Historic Flight in Rafale Fighter Jet: In a moment of national pride, President Droupadi Murmu became the first President of India to fly in the Rafale fighter jet on October 29, 2025, from the Ambala Air Force Station in Haryana. This event symbolizes a landmark in India’s defence and constitutional history.
The 30-minute sortie showcased India’s advanced air capabilities and reaffirmed the President’s role as the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces.
Static GK fact: Ambala Air Force Station is one of the oldest and most strategically important air bases in India, established in 1948.
Dual Milestone in Aerial Command
President Murmu’s flight in the Rafale adds to her earlier historic sortie in the Sukhoi Su-30 MKI from Tezpur Air Base in Assam on April 8, 2023. This makes her the first Indian President to have flown in two frontline IAF fighter aircraft.
Such rare moments strengthen India’s narrative of civilian leadership actively engaging with the nation’s defence institutions.
Static GK Tip: The Sukhoi Su-30 MKI is a twin-seater, multi-role air superiority fighter jointly developed by India and Russia under Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) production.
Details of the Ambala Sortie
President Murmu flew in the Rafale twin-seater trainer variant, accompanied by Group Captain Amit Gehani, Commanding Officer of the 17 Squadron (Golden Arrows). The sortie included standard flight manoeuvres demonstrating the aircraft’s speed and agility.
The Rafale aircraft has been operational in the Indian Air Force since 2020, following its induction under the India-France defence partnership.
Static GK fact: India signed a deal with France in 2016 to procure 36 Rafale jets worth approximately €7.87 billion.
Significance Beyond Symbolism
The President’s participation in this sortie goes beyond ceremonial representation. It underscores her commitment to understanding India’s strategic defence capabilities and reflects a deep sense of solidarity with the armed forces.
Her involvement serves as a morale booster for personnel and emphasizes the unity between constitutional leadership and military service.
Such engagements demonstrate how high offices can foster greater respect and awareness of national defence mechanisms among citizens.
Static GK Tip: The President of India holds the title of Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces under Article 53 of the Constitution.
Strengthening National Defence Pride
President Murmu’s initiative highlights the growing transparency and inclusivity within India’s defence ecosystem. By taking active participation, she bridges the ceremonial and operational spheres of governance.
The flight in the Rafale thus stands as a testament to India’s evolving civil-military synergy and the confidence of its leadership in the nation’s modern combat capabilities.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
President Murmu’s Historic Flight in Rafale Fighter Jet:
| Topic | Detail |
| Event Date | October 29, 2025 |
| Location | Ambala Air Force Station, Haryana |
| Aircraft | Rafale twin-seater trainer |
| Pilot | Group Captain Amit Gehani |
| Squadron | 17 Squadron “Golden Arrows” |
| Previous Sortie | Sukhoi Su-30 MKI at Tezpur, April 8, 2023 |
| Duration | Approximately 30 minutes |
| Significance | First President to fly in Rafale and Sukhoi |
| Induction Year of Rafale | 2020 |
| Constitutional Role | Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces |
