Droupadi Murmu Becomes First Indian President to Fly in Rafale

President Droupadi Murmu became the first Indian President to fly with a Rafale fighter jet. The historic sortie, and she had a 30-minute flight with the top speed of more than 700 km/h and a high altitude of 15,000 feet, which occurred at Air Force Station Ambala. The ceremony made her the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and she symbolically represented the expanding defence capacity and modernization in India. It was also an indication of the growing proportion of women in high office in the country, as India was determined to build its defence force and towards gender equality in leadership.

Ambala Sortie Becomes Symbol of Dual Progress in Defence and Leadership

• The Rafale sortie by President Droupadi Murmu at Ambala was the first in the history of an Indian head of state.

• The exercise highlighted the high air power and defence modernisation of India.

• It emphasised her position as Supreme Commander, which strengthened women as leaders in national defence.

• The aviation was a twin advancement of technological perfection in the military and of increasing gender representation at the top of the Indian leadership hierarchy.

The Rafale Advantage Elevates India’s Air Force Strength

• Rafale is a 4.5-generation multi-role fighter jet constructed by Dassault Aviation of France.

• Rafale Deal India signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) on purchasing jets with France in 2016, which resulted in the receipt of 36 jets by India.

• It possesses AESA radar, Meteor missiles, SCALP missiles, and advanced avionics, which make it more accurate and able to strike.

• The Rafale induction enhances the Indian air superiority and the regional level of strategic balance.

Conclusion

Rafale sortie by President Droupadi Murmu is a historic moment in the history of defence in the country because it has not only marked technological advancement but also the leadership of women in the service of the nation. The flight demonstrated the power, preparedness, and modernisation of the Indian Air Force as well as reasserted its position as Supreme Commander. The event itself is a measure of how India is becoming self-reliant and increasing in international defence strength.