Rafale sortie an unforgettable experience: President Murmu
President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday described her sortie in the Rafale fighter jet as an “unforgettable experience”, saying it filled her with immense pride in India’s defence capabilities.

The President took off from the Indian Air Force Station in Ambala, the country’s first base to host the Rafale fleet acquired from Dassault Aviation, France.

“This first flight in the Rafale has been an unforgettable experience and has instilled in me a renewed sense of pride in our nation’s defence preparedness,” Murmu said after completing the sortie.

With this, she became the first President of India to fly in two IAF fighter jets. Earlier, in 2023, she had taken a sortie in the Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft.

The sortie at Ambala symbolised the growing strength and technological advancement of the Indian Air Force, as well as India’s commitment to maintaining a robust air defence system.

President Murmu’s flight also served as a tribute to the courage and professionalism of IAF personnel who operate these advanced combat aircraft, underscoring the importance of modern air power in safeguarding national security.