Ambala- President Draupadi Murmu on Wednesday created history by flying in the state-of-the-art Rafale fighter jet from Haryana's Ambala Air Force Station. This is the first time that a woman President of India has flown in this much-talked-about French aircraft.
Several high-ranking officials, including Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh, were present on this historic occasion. President Murmu has continued the proud tradition of the Indian Air Force, under which the President of the country has from time to time experienced the operational capabilities and morale of the Air Force firsthand.
After flying in the Rafale, the Rashtrapati Bhavan has released some pictures of Murmu. The President later wrote, "Flying in the Rafale is an unforgettable experience for me. This maiden flight in the powerful Rafale aircraft has instilled in me a new sense of pride in the country's defense capabilities. I congratulate the entire team of the Indian Air Force and Air Force Station, Ambala for making this flight a success.’’
Earlier on April 8, 2023, Murmu, the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, became the third President and the second woman President to fly in a Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter aircraft at Tezpur Air Force Station in Assam.
Former Presidents APJ Abdul Kalam and Pratibha Patil had flown in Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter aircraft at Lohegaon Air Force Station near Pune on June 8, 2006 and November 25, 2009 respectively. The Rafale fighter aircraft, manufactured by French aerospace major Dassault Aviation, was formally inducted into the Indian Air Force at Ambala Air Force Station in September 2020. This flight of President Murmu is not only ceremonial, but is being seen as a symbol of India's defense preparedness, technological prowess, and female leadership.