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President Murmu to Co-Pilot Combat Helicopter at IAF's Vayu Shakti 2026

President Droupadi Murmu will attend the Indian Air Force's major "Vayu Shakti-2026" exercise at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Rajasthan. During the event, she is scheduled to co-pilot a Light Combat Helicopter Prachand, marking her first time piloting a combat helicopter in the Jaisalmer border airspace. The exercise will feature demonstrations by frontline aircraft like the Rafale and Sukhoi-30 MKI, and will be attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma. President Murmu has a history of flying in fighter jets, having previously flown in both a Sukhoi and a Rafale to boost troop morale.

Key Points: President Murmu to Fly LCH at Vayu Shakti 2026 in Rajasthan

  • President to fly Light Combat Helicopter
  • IAF's largest exercise at Pokhran
  • Showcase of Rafale, Sukhoi, Apache jets
  • Tight security with no-fly zone
2 min read

Prez Murmu on two-day Rajasthan visit from tomorrow, to attend Op 'Vayu Shakti' in Jaisalmer

President Droupadi Murmu will co-pilot a Prachand LCH during the IAF's Vayu Shakti exercise in Jaisalmer, showcasing air power with Rajnath Singh present.

"This will be the first time the President will co-pilot a combat helicopter in the border airspace of Jaisalmer."

Jaipur, Feb 26

The Indian Air Force's largest military exercise, "Vayu Shakti-2026", will be held on Friday at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Rajasthan, near the Pakistan border.

The Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, President Droupadi Murmu, will also be present at the exercise.

According to the schedule, the President will fly a Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand on Friday. During this, she will conduct an aerial survey of the exercise area. This will be the first time the President will co-pilot a combat helicopter in the border airspace of Jaisalmer. Following the event, she will interact with officers and soldiers at the Air Force Station and boost their morale.

In the evening, the President will arrive at the Pokhran Range, where the exercise will commence in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma.

During this period, the Air Force will showcase its lethal capabilities through aerial fire and precise strikes.

In addition to Prachand aircraft, Rafale, Sukhoi-30 MKI, and Apache will also showcase their might at 'Vayu Shakti-2026'. This visit of the President is considered extremely important from a strategic perspective. Tight security arrangements have been made in Jaisalmer. The entire area from Chandan to Pokhran has been declared a 'no-fly zone'.

President Murmu has a long and deep association with the aircraft of the Indian Air Force.

She is not only the supreme commander of the armed forces, but has also personally flown frontline fighter jets to boost the morale of the country's soldiers.

She has flown in a Sukhoi and a Rafale. President Murmu created history on October 29, 2025, by flying in a Rafale aircraft of the 'Golden Arrows' squadron based in Ambala. She became the first President of the country to fly in two different fighter aircraft (Sukhoi and Rafale).

She experienced the power of the Rafale at a speed of approximately 700 km/h at an altitude of approximately 15,000 feet.

President Murmu flew for approximately 30 minutes in a Sukhoi-30 MKI on April 8, 2023, from the Tezpur base in Assam.

She assessed the aircraft's firepower and the Air Force's preparedness while flying over the Himalayan peaks and the Brahmaputra Valley.

She became the second woman President of the country to fly in a Sukhoi after Pratibha Patil.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I appreciate the show of strength, I hope the focus remains on using this capability for genuine defense and not for political messaging. The exercise is near the border, so the strategic message is clear, but let's ensure our diplomacy works in tandem.
R
Rohit P
Rafale, Sukhoi, Apache, and now the indigenous Prachand! Our Air Force is truly formidable. President Murmu flying in these jets herself is inspiring. It shows leadership from the front. Proud moment for every Indian.
S
Sarah B
As an observer, this is a fascinating display of India's military modernization. The President's personal involvement is quite unique compared to other nations. The 'no-fly zone' declaration shows the seriousness of the exercise. Wishing for a safe and successful event.
K
Karthik V
Vayu Shakti is always a spectacle. But beyond the show, it's crucial for our pilots' training. Pokhran is the perfect terrain for such drills. Hope the local communities in Jaisalmer are minimally inconvenienced by the security arrangements.
M
Meera T
President Murmu continues to break barriers! From flying in a Sukhoi over Assam to now co-piloting in Rajasthan, she embodies strength. It's heartening to see our Supreme Commander connect directly with our jawans. Their morale must be sky-high! 🙏

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