US EditionPresident Murmu Flies Sortie in Light Combat Helicopter ‘Prachand’ Near India-Pakistan Border in Jaisalmer
President Murmu flew about 200 km as co-pilot in India's first indigenous Light Combat Helicopter, highlighting indigenous defense capabilities in a 30-minute sortie.
- On Friday, February 27, 2026, President Droupadi Murmu flew as co-pilot in the Light Combat Helicopter 'Prachand' near the India–Pakistan border in Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan.
- Following routine operational briefings, President of India and Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces was briefed by the aircraft captain and IAF crew before the sortie.
- Wearing an olive-green flight suit and helmet, the aircraft piloted by Group Captain Amit Gehani of the 17 Squadron departed from the Indian Air Force station, Jaisalmer, at about 15000 feet and about 700 kilometres per hour.
- By flying in the Prachand, the President highlights India's indigenous combat helicopter, built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, and showcases IAF operational displays at Ambala.
- In 2023, President Murmu previously took a sortie in a Sukhoi 30 MKI, continuing the pattern of presidential flights in frontline aircraft, after a Rafale sortie last year.
21 Articles
21 Articles
Droupadi Murmu Becomes 1st Indian President To Fly In Attack Helicopter Prachand
Clad in an olive-green flying suit and helmet, President Droupadi Murmu on Friday took a 25-minute sortie as co-pilot in Light Combat Helicopter 'Prachand' near the India-Pakistan border in Jaisalmer district.
Defense Front: President Murmu Flies Indigenous LCH Prachand Near Jaisalmer, Showcases Air Power
In a strong display of indigenous military capability, President Droupadi Murmu undertook a sortie in the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, close to the India-Pakistan border. The helicopter, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, represents a major milestone in India’s push for self-reliant defense manufacturing. The LCH Prachand is designed for high-altitude warfare and precision strikes against enemy bunke…
Murmu flies as co-pilot in LCH 'Prachand' near India-Pak border in Jaisalmer
President Droupadi Murmu took to the skies as co-pilot in Light Combat Helicopter ‘Prachand during a sortie conducted near the India-Pakistan border in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Dressed in an olive green flight suit and helmet, she received a detailed pre-flight briefing before boarding the aircraft, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics as Indias first homegrown combat helicopter.
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