Jaisalmer: President Droupadi Murmu, who is also the Supreme Commander of India’s Armed Forces, undertook a sortie in the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand at Air Force Station Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, on Friday, as per a release by Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The President has earlier undertaken sorties in Sukhoi 30 MKI and Rafale fighter jets in 2023 and 2025.
The indigenous LCH, built by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), is considered one of the most lethal attack helicopters that can operate at high altitudes.
“The mission was undertaken as a two-aircraft formation. President Murmu flew in the lead aircraft with Gp Capt Nayan Shantilal Bahua, while Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal A P 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,” it was mentioned in the release.
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”, as stated in the release.
The President will witness the Indian Air Force’s Exercise Vayu Shakti at Jaisalmer in the evening.
