In a historic and symbolic display of India’s growing air power, President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to take a sortie in a Rafale fighter jet at the Ambala Air Force Station today. The event underscores her role as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and highlights India’s advancing defence capabilities.
The President will undertake the sortie after being briefed by senior officers of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on the aircraft’s technical systems and operational readiness. The Rafale jet, one of the most advanced multirole fighter aircraft in the IAF’s fleet, is known for its precision strike capability, agility, and advanced avionics.
The President is expected to board the twin-seater Rafale aircraft in the afternoon. The sortie will last approximately 30 minutes, covering a pre-designated airspace near Ambala at an altitude of about two kilometres. The flight is largely ceremonial and intended to symbolise the strong connection between India’s civilian leadership and its armed forces.
Officials said the sortie aims to showcase the confidence, discipline, and technological advancement of the IAF while boosting the morale of defence personnel. The event also serves to highlight India’s increasing emphasis on self-reliance in defence production under the government’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative.
The Rafale fighter jets, inducted into the IAF in 2020, have significantly enhanced India’s aerial defence capabilities. Stationed at Ambala and Hasimara air bases, the Rafale fleet has proven instrumental in strengthening operational readiness along India’s western and eastern borders. The aircraft’s state-of-the-art radar, weapon systems, and multi-role adaptability make it one of the most potent platforms in the world.
The President’s flight follows a tradition of Indian heads of state taking symbolic sorties to honour the armed forces and reaffirm their commitment to national security. Previous presidents have undertaken similar flights in aircraft such as the Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Tejas Light Combat Aircraft.
Security arrangements at Ambala Air Base have been heightened for the event. A no-fly zone has been declared in the vicinity, and air traffic in surrounding sectors has been temporarily restricted. Ground crews have completed final checks on the aircraft, ensuring safety protocols and real-time monitoring during the flight.
The Indian Air Force has described the event as a proud moment reflecting the synergy between India’s leadership and its military forces. Senior IAF officers will accompany the President during her visit and present an overview of India’s ongoing efforts to modernise its air fleet.
Defence experts have lauded the occasion, calling it a strong message of confidence and national pride. They noted that the sortie not only celebrates India’s advanced air combat capabilities but also underscores the civil-military unity that defines India’s democratic structure.
The President’s sortie in the Rafale comes at a time when India continues to enhance its strategic deterrence and defence preparedness. It symbolises the nation’s unwavering resolve to maintain peace through strength and technology-driven modernisation.
As President Murmu takes flight in the Rafale, the day marks a significant chapter in India’s defence narrative — one that reflects progress, pride, and the power of leadership rooted in service to the nation.
