The Indian Army has achieved a remarkable milestone in adventure aviation with its Hot Air Ballooning (HAB) Expedition from Bhopal to Pune, which concluded today after covering more than 750 kilometres across two states. The expedition, conducted under the aegis of the Indian Army Adventure Wing by the Hot Air Ballooning Node at EME Centre, Bhopal, set a new national record for the longest non-stop hot air balloon flight in India.
Flagged off on 30 November 2025, the team navigated varied terrain ranging from the Narmada Valley in Madhya Pradesh to the Western Ghats in Maharashtra, halting at Mhow, Sambhajinagar and Ahilyanagar en route. At each location, Army personnel interacted with local youth, offering them unique exposure to hot air ballooning and sharing insights into the Indian Army’s spirit of adventure, resilience and discipline.
The standout moment of the expedition was an 8-hour and 44-minute non-stop hot air balloon flight, now recognised by the Asian Book of Records as the longest duration flight of its kind in India. The achievement highlights the team’s superior endurance, technical skill and seamless coordination.
Beyond its aviation triumphs, the expedition also served as a dynamic outreach initiative. The team engaged with students and aspirants through motivational talks, demonstrations and interactive sessions, igniting enthusiasm for adventure sports and raising awareness about opportunities within the Armed Forces.
Congratulating the team, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, AVSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command, praised their determination and record-setting performance. He noted that such endeavours not only strengthen the culture of adventure within the Armed Forces but also help build meaningful connections with the youth of the nation.
With its blend of aviation excellence, youth engagement and national record-setting performance, the Indian Army’s HAB Expedition stands as a landmark initiative that continues to elevate India’s adventure sports landscape.
