Inder Vashisth
President Droupadi Murmu undertook a sortie in a Rafale fighter jet from the Air Force Station, Ambala in Haryana today. The sortie was approximately 25 minutes .
The President was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour after she arrived at the Air Force Station this morning. Earlier, she was welcomed by Air Chief Marshal Amarpreet Singh, Haryana Cabinet Minister Anil Vij, Ambala Deputy Commissioner Ajay Singh Tomar and many other officials.
Air Force Station, Ambala is the first Air Force Station where Rafale aircrafts arrived from Dassault Aviation Facility, France.
The President, who is the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, flew for approximately 30 minutes covering about 200 kilometers 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 kilometers per hour.
Later in the visitor’s book, the President expressed her feelings by writing a brief note in which she said “I am delighted to visit Air Force Station Ambala for my maiden flight on Rafale aircraft of the Indian Air Force. The sortie on Rafale is an unforgettable experience for me. This first flight on the potent Rafale aircraft has instilled in me a renewed sense of pride in the nation’s defence capabilities. I congratulate the Indian Air Force and the entire team of Air Force Station, Ambala for organising this sortie successfully.”
The President was also briefed on the operational capabilities of Rafale and the Indian Air Force.
President Calls Rafale Flight an ‘Unforgettable Experience
President Droupadi Murmu today shared her experience while flying in a Rafale aircraft over Ambala-Kurukshetra in Haryana. In a social media post, the President said that it was an unforgettable experience for her. She highlighted that the ancient land and Brahm Sarovar are a symbol of India’s cultural diversity and historical journey. President Murmu said her faith in the country’s military capability has become more firm.