Sortie in Prachand has filled me with a renewed sense of pride in the nation’s defence capabilities: President Murmu
NEW DELHI, FEBRUARY 27, 2026: President of India Droupadi Murmu undertook a sortie in the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter PRACHAND at Air Force Station Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, today (February 27, 2026). Earlier, she undertook sorties in Sukhoi 30 MKI and Rafale in 2023 and 2025, respectively.
The mission was undertaken as a two-aircraft LCH formation. President Droupadi Murmu flew in the lead aircraft with Gp Capt Nayan Shantilal Bahua, while Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh and Gp Capt A Mahendra flew as Number 2 in the second aircraft. During the approximately 25-minute mission, they flew over Gadisar Lake and Jaisalmer Fort and attacked a Tank Target.
Later in the visitor’s book, the President expressed her feelings by writing a brief note in which she said, “The sortie in India’s indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopter ‘Prachand’ is an enriching experience for me. This sortie has filled me with 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 Jaisalmer for successfully organising this sortie”. In the evening, the President will witness the Indian Air Force’s Exercise Vayu Shakti at Jaisalmer.
