Droupadi Murmu undertook a sortie in the indigenously developed HAL Prachand at Air Force Station Jaisalmer on February 27, 2026, reaffirming confidence in India’s growing indigenous defence capabilities.
The mission was conducted in a two-aircraft LCH formation. The President flew in the lead aircraft with Group Captain Nayan Shantilal Bahua, while Air Cheif Marhsal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, and Group Captain A Mahendra flew as Number 2 in the second aircraft. During the approximately 25-minute sortie, the formation flew over Gadisar Lake and Jaisalmer Fort and carried out an attack on a designated tank target.
In her remarks in the visitor’s book, the President described the experience as enriching and expressed pride in India’s indigenous defence prowess. She congratulated the Indian Air Force and the entire team at Air Force Station Jaisalmer for successfully organising the sortie.
This marks another significant engagement of the President with frontline military platforms. She had earlier flown in the Sukhoi-30 MKI in 2023 and the Rafale fighter aircraft in 2025.
Later in the evening, President Murmu is scheduled to witness the Indian Air Force’s firepower demonstration, Exercise Vayu Shakti, at Jaisalmer, showcasing the operational capabilities of the force.
