NewsIMTSCAMPUS NOTICE: President Droupadi Murmu became the first Indian President to fly in a Rafale fighter jet on 29/10/2025 at Ambala Air Force Station, Haryana. She flew for 30 minutes, covering 200 km at 15,000 feet with a speed of 700 km/h. Group Captain Amit Gehani, commanding officer of the 17 Squadron (Golden Arrows), piloted the flight. President Murmu has now flown in two different IAF fighter aircraft – the Rafale and Sukhoi Su-30 MKI. Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, the first Indian woman Rafale pilot, accompanied the President. The Rafale jets were inducted into the IAF in this year and represent India's advanced defense technology. This historic flight symbolizes the President's role as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and highlights women's growing presence in India's defense sector. (Updated 1 Nov 2025, 08:36 IST; source: link)
President Murmu's Historic Rafale Flight
President Droupadi Murmu made history by becoming the first Indian President to fly in a Rafale fighter jet on October 29, 2025. The 30-minute flight took place at Ambala Air Force Station in Haryana, covering 200 kilometers at an altitude of 15,000 feet and a speed of 700 km/h. Group Captain Amit Gehani, commanding officer of the 17 Squadron (Golden Arrows), piloted the aircraft. This marks President Murmu's second flight in an Indian Air Force fighter jet, following her earlier experience in a Sukhoi Su-30 MKI. Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, India's first woman Rafale pilot, was also present during this significant event.
Significance of the Presidential Flight
The President's Rafale flight holds special importance as it highlights her role as the Supreme Commander of India's Armed Forces. The Rafale jets, inducted into the Indian Air Force in 2020, represent some of India's most advanced defense technology. By participating in this flight, President Murmu demonstrated her direct engagement with military capabilities and operations. The event also draws attention to the growing presence of women in India's defense sector, with Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh's participation symbolizing the changing face of India's military. This historic flight serves as an important moment in showcasing both presidential involvement with the armed forces and India's military modernization.
Key Points
- CAMPUS NOTICE: President Droupadi Murmu became the first Indian President to fly in a Rafale fighter jet on 29/10/2025 at Ambala Air Force Station, Haryana.
- She flew for 30 minutes, covering 200 km at 15,000 feet with a speed of 700 km/h.
- Group Captain Amit Gehani, commanding officer of the 17 Squadron (Golden Arrows), piloted the flight.
