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President Murmu Flies in Indigenous LCH Prachand at IAF's Vayushakti Exercise

President Droupadi Murmu took a sortie on the indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopter Prachand in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. She was in the region to witness the Indian Air Force's Exercise Vayushakti-26, a demonstration of air power at the Pokhran range. The exercise showcases the IAF's full spectrum of operations, including precision strikes and humanitarian capabilities, using platforms like Rafale, Tejas, and Apache helicopters. It aims to reaffirm the IAF's role as a decisive component of India's national security and its commitment to an 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.

Key Points: President Murmu Flies in LCH Prachand at IAF Exercise

  • Presidential sortie on indigenous LCH Prachand
  • IAF showcases full-spectrum combat capabilities
  • Exercise highlights rapid response and strategic dominance
  • Features advanced aircraft and weapon systems
2 min read

President Droupadi Murmu takes a sortie on Light Combat Helicopter Prachand in Jaisalmer

President Droupadi Murmu takes a sortie on the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter Prachand during IAF's Exercise Vayushakti-26 in Jaisalmer.

President Droupadi Murmu takes a sortie on Light Combat Helicopter Prachand in Jaisalmer
"The first, fastest & fiercest responder - Indian Air Force"

Jaisalmer, February 27

President Droupadi Murmu took a sortie on the indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopter Prachand in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, here on Friday.

The Chief of AIr Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh flew alongside the Supreme Commander in the second LCH. The President is in Jaisalmer to witness the IAF's Exercise Vayu Shakti.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is demonstrating its prowess through Exercise Vayushakti-26 at Pokhran Air to Ground Range, Jaisalmer on 27 February 2026.

As the first, fastest & fiercest responder, the Indian Air Force is highlighting its ability to rapidly punish the enemy, dominate operational environment from the outset and decisively influence the course of operations by transforming tactical actions into strategic outcomes. The exercise showcases a glimpse of how IAF plays a crucial role in humanitarian assistance & disaster management by providing rapid airlift and rescue & evacuation from conflict zones within the country as well as abroad.

Full spectrum operations by fighter, transport and helicopter platforms including Tejas, Rafale, Jaguar, Mirage-2000, Sukhoi- 30MKI, MiG-29, Hawk, C-130J, C-295, C-17, Chetak, ALH MK-IV, Mi-17 IV, LCH, Apache, Chinook and Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) are going to be executed. The exercise will feature advanced weapon systems such as Short Range Loitering Munitions (SRLM), Akash, SpyDer and Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS), carrying out day, dusk and night missions.

During the exercise, advanced fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force, including Rafale, Sukhoi Su-30MKI, HAL Tejas, and Mirage 2000, will carry out precision strikes using air-to-ground guided bombs and missiles, accurately targeting enemy bunkers, runways, and command centres. Additionally, Boeing Apache and Boeing Chinook helicopters will perform low-altitude rocket and gun firing drills, casualty evacuation operations, and transportation of equipment to difficult battlefield terrains.

Vayushakti-26 will also highlight the success of Operation Sindoor, reaffirming IAF's primacy in airspace dominance, long-range precision targeting, multi-domain operations and its ability to deliver decisive effects with indigenous platforms guided by the vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.

Guided by the core values "Achook, Abhedya aur Sateek", the exercise aims to reassure the nation by reaffirming the IAF's role as a key component of India's national security architecture.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Wonderful to see the focus on 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' in action. The LCH Prachand, Tejas, Akash missile system – it's heartening to know we are reducing dependency on foreign imports for critical defence needs. More power to DRDO and HAL!
R
Rohit P
Exercise Vayu Shakti is always impressive, but I hope the display of such advanced weaponry also serves as a strong deterrent to our neighbours. Peace through strength is the only language some understand on our borders.
S
Sarah B
While the military demonstration is important, the mention of humanitarian assistance and disaster management is crucial. In a country prone to floods and earthquakes, it's reassuring to know the IAF has these capabilities ready for our citizens too.
V
Vikram M
The sheer range of aircraft from Rafale to our own Tejas is mind-boggling. Shows the IAF's depth. However, I do hope the focus on indigenous platforms continues to grow so that one day our entire fleet is Made in India. The journey has begun well!
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, while these exercises are necessary, I hope the massive expenditure is justified by tangible security outcomes. We often see grand displays, but the common citizen wants to feel secure in their daily life, not just during exercises. The funds must translate to real border security and faster modernization.
N

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