President Murmu Flies LCH Prachand in Jaisalmer

February 27, 2026

Jaipur: Droupadi Murmu on Friday flew in the indigenously developed HAL Light Combat Helicopter Prachand from the Jaisalmer Air Force Station, becoming the first President of India to co-pilot the advanced combat helicopter.

25-Minute Sortie Over Border Areas

The President undertook a 25-minute sortie accompanied by Group Captain N.S. Bahua. During the flight, she took an aerial view of the border areas and the Pokhran Field Firing Range.

From the cockpit, she saluted and gave a thumbs-up, and also addressed the nation via radio. A HAL Chetak helicopter escorted the aircraft throughout the sortie, which concluded with a safe landing at the Air Force Station.

Briefing and Military Milestone

President Murmu arrived at the air base around 9.15 a.m., where Army officials briefed her on the helicopter’s capabilities before she boarded at approximately 10.15 a.m. During the flight, she familiarised herself with the helicopter’s operational systems.

She had earlier become the first President to fly in fighter jets such as the Sukhoi Su-30MKI and the Dassault Rafale.

Ahead of Vayu Shakti 2026

The sortie comes ahead of the Indian Air Force’s major exercise, Vayu Shakti 2026, scheduled at the Pokhran Field Firing Range near the India-Pakistan border.

As Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, President Murmu will witness the exercise, which will demonstrate the Air Force’s combat capabilities, including precision strikes and coordinated air operations.

The Prachand helicopter was inducted into the Indian Air Force fleet three years ago during Navratri in Rajasthan. At the time, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described it as “India’s victory chariot,” highlighting its combat strength despite being classified as a light combat helicopter.

Later in the evening, President Murmu will attend the Vayu Shakti exercise at Pokhran, where Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagade, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, and senior military officials will also be present.