President Droupadi Murmu to Make Historic Flight in Indigenous LCH Prachand
President Droupadi Murmu is set to create aviation history on Friday morning by undertaking a sortie in the indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) 'Prachand' at the Jaisalmer Air Force Station during her visit to Rajasthan. This marks the first time a President of India will fly as a co-pilot in a combat helicopter over the strategic border airspace of Jaisalmer.
Detailed Schedule and Aerial Activities
The President arrived in Jaisalmer on Thursday evening and will remain airborne for approximately 25 minutes during the combat helicopter flight. Prior to the sortie, she will receive a comprehensive briefing and conduct an aerial survey of Jaisalmer city and its surrounding areas from the air. Following the landing, President Murmu will interact with officers and air warriors at the Air Force Station and participate in a commemorative photo session.
In the evening, the President will travel about 50 kilometers by road to the Chandan area of the Pokaran Range to attend the Indian Air Force's monumental firepower demonstration, 'Vayu Shakti,' as the Chief Guest. The event will witness the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagade, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, senior military officials, and foreign defence and air attachés.
Unprecedented Scale of Vayu Shakti Exercise
According to Air Force Deputy Chief Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, the Vayu Shakti exercise represents the largest firepower demonstration in IAF history. The event will feature the expenditure of around 12,000 kilograms of ammunition, with participation from 77 fighter jets and 43 helicopters. This massive display is designed to showcase the Indian Air Force's advanced capability to conduct simultaneous multi-front operations with precision and power.
Comprehensive Security Arrangements Implemented
Superintendent of Police Abhishek Shivhare confirmed that elaborate security measures have been put in place for the President's visit and the Vayu Shakti demonstration. The stretch from Chandan to Pokaran has been declared a no-fly zone, while traffic on the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur highway (Pokaran route) will face restrictions from 12 noon until the conclusion of the event.
Traffic diversions have been implemented due to VVIP movement and security protocols, increasing travel distance by approximately 12 kilometers. Special mobile police teams have been deployed to manage the diverted routes effectively. Traffic management on the Jaisalmer side will be handled by Traffic In-charge Hukmaram, while Station House Officer Bharat Singh will oversee arrangements from the Pokaran side.
President Murmu's Distinguished Aviation Legacy
Notably, President Murmu maintains a long and close association with Indian Air Force aircraft. As the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, she has consistently flown in frontline fighter jets to boost the morale of the nation's armed forces personnel.
On 29 October 2025, President Murmu created aviation history by flying in a Rafale aircraft of the Golden Arrows Squadron based in Ambala. This achievement made her the first President of India to fly in two different fighter aircraft—the Rafale and the Sukhoi Su-30MKI. During the Rafale sortie, she experienced the aircraft's exceptional capabilities at an altitude of approximately 15,000 feet and a speed nearing 700 kilometers per hour.
Earlier, on 8 April 2023, President Murmu undertook a nearly 30-minute sortie in a Sukhoi-30 MKI from the Tezpur Air Base in Assam. Flying over the majestic Himalayan ranges and the expansive Brahmaputra Valley, she reviewed the aircraft's combat capabilities and assessed the preparedness of the Indian Air Force. With this flight, she became the second woman President of India to fly in a Sukhoi fighter jet, following former President Pratibha Patil's precedent.
The President's upcoming flight in the indigenous LCH Prachand continues her tradition of engaging directly with India's defense capabilities while demonstrating strong leadership and support for the nation's armed forces.
