President Droupadi Murmu Undertakes Sortie in HAL Prachand at Jaisalmer
“The sortie has filled me with renewed pride in the nation’s defence capabilities.”
On 27 February 2026, President Droupadi Murmu ascended into the desert skies aboard the indigenously developed HAL Prachand at Air Force Station Jaisalmer, signalling emphatic confidence in India’s expanding sovereign defence architecture. The mission was executed in a disciplined two-aircraft Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) formation, underscoring operational precision and ceremonial significance alike.
Formation Flight Over the Golden City
The President occupied the lead aircraft alongside Group Captain Nayan Shantilal Bahua, while Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, flew as Number 2 in the accompanying helicopter with Group Captain A. Mahendra. The synchronised formation carved its trajectory across Jaisalmer’s storied skyline, sweeping over Gadisar Lake and the historic Jaisalmer Fort—landmarks that shimmer against the Thar’s austere canvas.
During the approximately 25-minute aerial engagement, the formation executed a simulated strike on a designated tank target. The manoeuvre, though demonstrative, mirrored the operational versatility of the HAL Prachand in high-threat scenarios.
Reflections on Indigenous Strength
In her remarks recorded in the visitor’s book, President Murmu described the experience as profoundly enriching. She articulated renewed admiration for India’s indigenous defence capabilities, commending the Indian Air Force and the entire team at Air Force Station Jaisalmer for orchestrating the sortie with exemplary professionalism.
Her words carried both symbolic resonance and institutional endorsement—an affirmation of India’s accelerating journey toward self-reliance in advanced military aviation.
Continued Engagement with Frontline Platforms
This sortie marks another distinguished chapter in the President’s direct engagement with frontline combat platforms. In 2023, she flew in the Sukhoi-30 MKI, followed by a sortie in the Rafale fighter aircraft in 2025. Each engagement has reflected an enduring gesture of solidarity with the armed forces and an unmistakable endorsement of technological modernisation.
Exercise Vayu Shakti to Follow
Later in the evening, President Murmu is scheduled to witness Exercise Vayu Shakti at Jaisalmer—an expansive firepower demonstration designed to exhibit the Indian Air Force’s operational potency across diverse combat domains. The exercise is expected to showcase precision strikes, aerial coordination, and integrated warfare capabilities.
Through this high-visibility sortie in HAL Prachand, President Droupadi Murmu has once again underscored national confidence in indigenous military innovation—where technological aspiration and operational excellence converge above the desert horizon.
