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President Murmu Flies In Rafale Fighter From Ambala
President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday took a sortie in a Dassault Rafale fighter jet from Ambala Air Force Station in Haryana. This was her second flight in a frontline combat aircraft, following her earlier sortie in a Sukhoi-30 MKI from Tezpur in April 2023.
Significance Of The Sortie
The flight makes President Murmu the first Indian head of state to experience two different fighter jets. It highlighted her role as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and showcased the operational preparedness of the Rafale fleet stationed at Ambala.
Strategic Context
The Ambala-based Rafale squadron is linked to Operation Sindoor, India’s response after the April Pahalgam terror attack. While the specific aircraft used in the mission has not been disclosed, the Ambala base remains a vital hub in India’s strategic air defence posture.
Outlook And Symbolism
The sortie underscores strong civil-military engagement and is seen as a message of India’s airpower capabilities. Analysts believe such symbolic acts boost public morale and reaffirm the strength of India’s defence forces.
