President Murmu's Historic Rafale Flight: First Leader in Two Fighter Jets

President Droupadi Murmu extended warm Formation Day greetings to eight states and Union Territories. She then made history by taking a sortie in a Rafale fighter jet from Ambala Air Force Station. The President flew for approximately 30 minutes, covering 200 kilometers at 15,000 feet altitude. This marks her as the first President to fly in two different Indian Air Force fighter aircraft.

Key Points: President Murmu Flies Rafale Aircraft After Formation Day Greetings

  • President greeted 8 states and UTs on their Formation Day celebrations
  • Flew for 30 minutes covering 200 km in Rafale aircraft
  • Became first President to fly in two different fighter jets
  • Aircraft reached 15,000 ft altitude at 700 kmph speed
  • Acknowledged states' contributions to India's development progress
  • Group Captain Amit Gehani piloted the historic Rafale sortie
2 min read

President Droupadi Murmu extends greetings to states, Union Territories on their Formation Day

President Droupadi Murmu extends Formation Day wishes to 8 states and UTs, then makes history with Rafale flight at Ambala Air Force Station.

"This flight in the Rafale is an unforgettable experience for me - President Droupadi Murmu"

New Delhi, November 1

President Droupadi Murmu extended warm wishes to the people of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Pudducherry on their Formation Day.

The President acknowledged the states' contribution to the progress and development of the nation and prayed for the well-being of all on the social media platform X.

"Warm greetings to the people of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Puducherry on their Formation Day! Each of these regions has made remarkable contributions to India's progress. May these states and Union Territories continue to achieve new milestones in their journey of development. I extend my best wishes for the continued prosperity and well-being of all their residents," President Mumru wrote.

Meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday took a sortie in a Rafale aircraft at Air Force Station Ambala, Haryana, and described the experience as "unforgettable". She congratulated the Indian Air Force and the entire team of Air Force Station for successfully organising this sortie.

The President, who is the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, flew for approximately 30 minutes covering about 200 kilometres before returning to the Air Force Station. The aircraft was flown by Group Captain Amit Gehani, Commanding Officer of the 17 Squadron. The aircraft flew at a height of about 15000 ft above sea level and at a speed of about 700 kilometres per hour, the statement added.

On the official account of the President on social media later in the day, while flying in a Rafale aircraft over Ambala-Kurukshetra in Haryana, President Droupadi Murmu shared her experience:

'This flight in the Rafale is an unforgettable experience for me. Today, from this modern aircraft, I am seeing this ancient land and Brahm Sarovar, which is a symbol of our cultural diversity and historical journey. My faith in our military capability is becoming even firmer.

She is the first President to have taken sortie in two fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force. Earlier, she took a sortie in a Sukhoi-30 MKI in 2023, the President's Secretariat stated in an official announcement.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Amazing to see our President flying in Rafale! Shows our military strength and her commitment to understanding our armed forces. Proud moment for every Indian 🚀
A
Arjun K
While I appreciate the President's wishes, I hope these greetings translate into real development for all states. Some regions still lack basic infrastructure and employment opportunities.
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Sarah B
As someone living in Karnataka, it's wonderful to see our state being recognized. Our rich cultural heritage and IT contributions make us proud. Happy Formation Day to all states mentioned!
M
Michael C
The President connecting ancient cultural symbols like Brahm Sarovar with modern military technology is truly inspiring. Shows how India balances tradition with progress.
D
Divya L
First President to fly in two fighter aircraft! Breaking stereotypes and setting new examples. More power to our women leaders! 👏

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