President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, undertook a sortie in a Rafale fighter aircraft at Air Force Station Ambala, Haryana, on October 29, 2025. With this historic flight, she became the first President of India to have flown in two different fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force, having earlier taken a sortie in a Sukhoi-30 MKI in 2023.
Air Force Station Ambala holds the distinction of being the first IAF base to receive Rafale aircraft from Dassault Aviation, France. The President, who is also the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, flew for approximately 30 minutes, covering nearly 200 km at a height of about 15,000 feet and a speed of 700 km/h. The sortie was piloted by Group Captain Amit Gehani, Commanding Officer of the 17 Squadron “Golden Arrows.”
Following the flight, the President penned a note in the visitors’ book, expressing her pride and admiration:
“The sortie on Rafale is an unforgettable experience for me. This first flight on the potent Rafale aircraft has instilled in me a renewed sense of pride in the nation’s defence capabilities. I congratulate the Indian Air Force and the entire team of Air Force Station Ambala for organising this sortie successfully.”
During her visit, the President was also briefed on the operational capabilities of the Rafale and the preparedness of the Indian Air Force, marking yet another proud milestone in India’s defence history.
Group Captain Amit Gehani is a distinguished officer of the Indian Air Force, currently serving as the Commanding Officer of No. 17 Squadron, popularly known as the “Golden Arrows.” Based at Air Force Station Ambala in Haryana, his leadership represents the cutting edge of India’s aerial warfare capabilities, as the squadron operates the formidable Dassault Rafale fighter aircraft—one of the most advanced multirole jets in the IAF’s arsenal.
On 29 October 2025, Group Captain Gehani made headlines when he piloted the Rafale aircraft carrying the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, marking a historic moment in Indian aviation. The President’s sortie, conducted from Ambala, lasted approximately 30 minutes and reached an altitude of 15,000 feet, covering about 200 kilometers at a speed of 700 km/h. As the Commanding Officer, Group Captain Gehani was entrusted with this prestigious task, symbolizing the Indian Air Force’s professionalism, precision, and operational excellence.
Under his command, No. 17 Squadron has achieved remarkable recognition, earning a Unit Citation for “outstanding mission performance” during Operation Sindoor. This honour highlights the squadron’s high standards of training, operational readiness, and mission success. It also reflects Group Captain Gehani’s leadership qualities—balancing rigorous technical proficiency with the ability to inspire and lead one of the IAF’s most elite fighter units.
The sortie with the President was not only a ceremonial milestone but also a testament to the confidence and trust the IAF places in Group Captain Gehani’s flying and command capabilities. His role stands as a reminder of the skill, discipline, and courage required to lead a frontline squadron equipped with one of the world’s most advanced fighter aircraft.
