President Droupadi Murmu takes to skies in ‘Prachand’, reviews border might before Vayu Shakti 2026
PTC Web Desk: President Droupadi Murmu on Friday flew in India’s indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) ‘Prachand’ from the Air Force Station in Jaisalmer, becoming the first President of India to undertake a sortie in the combat platform as a co-pilot.
The President arrived at the airbase around 9.15 am, where Indian Air Force officials briefed her on the helicopter’s operational capabilities and mission profile. Shortly thereafter, she took her position in the cockpit and, at approximately 10.15 am, took off alongside Group Captain NS Bahua.
During the 25-minute flight, the helicopter covered forward areas near the western border and conducted an aerial review of the Pokhran Field Firing Range. As the aircraft flew over Jaisalmer’s iconic Sonar Fort, the President saluted from the cockpit and conveyed a message to the nation over radio, expressing pride in the armed forces and gratitude to soldiers safeguarding the country’s frontiers. She concluded her message with “Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.”
This is not the first time President Murmu has taken to the skies in frontline military aircraft. Earlier, she became the first Indian President to fly in fighter jets such as the Sukhoi and Rafale, underlining her continued engagement with the armed forces and their operational preparedness.
The Light Combat Helicopter ‘Prachand’, designed for high-altitude warfare and precision strike roles, was inducted into the Indian Air Force fleet three years ago on the occasion of Navratri. At the time, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had also flown in the helicopter, describing its induction as a significant milestone for India’s defence capabilities and calling it a symbol of the nation’s growing self-reliance in military technology.
Later in the day, President Murmu is scheduled to attend the Indian Air Force’s major firepower exercise, ‘Vayu Shakti-2026’, at the Pokhran Field Firing Range near the Pakistan border. The large-scale drill will showcase the combat readiness of the Air Force, with fighter jets demonstrating precision strikes and coordinated battlefield operations.
The event is expected to be attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and senior military officials.
- With inputs from agencies
