President Murmu Takes Historic Flight
On February 27, 2026, President Droupadi Murmu made history by flying a 25-minute sortie in the Light Combat Helicopter, known as ‘Prachand.’ The flight took place near the India-Pakistan border in Jaisalmer district, marking her as the first Indian President to pilot an attack helicopter.
Dressed in an olive-green flying suit and equipped with a helmet, President Murmu’s sortie began from the Jaisalmer Air Force Station. Prior to takeoff, she received a briefing from the helicopter’s captain and waved to onlookers from the cockpit.
Significance of the Flight
This event represents a significant milestone not only for President Murmu but also for India’s military capabilities. The ‘Prachand’ is India’s first indigenously designed and developed combat helicopter, symbolizing the country’s push towards self-reliance in defense production.
During her flight, the President conveyed a heartfelt message to the nation: “Prachand helicopter is a powerful symbol of self-reliance. At this moment, I am flying over the Jaisalmer district. I extend my heartfelt greetings and deepest gratitude to our brave soldiers. A warm salute to you, Jai Hind, Jai Bharat,” she stated.
Flight Details and Overview
Technical Specifications of LCH Prachand
The LCH Prachand features advanced avionics, stealth capabilities, and a night-attack function to enhance combat effectiveness. It is armed with a variety of weaponry, including air-to-ground and air-to-air missiles, rockets, and a 20 mm gun, making it a formidable asset for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
According to IAF Chief Air Marshal A P Singh, “The Prachand embodies India’s commitment to building a self-reliant defense industry, and today’s event showcases our ongoing endeavors in indigenous military technologies.”
Flight Path and Demonstrations
The helicopter’s flight path included a flyover of the Pokharan firing range, where the IAF was set to conduct a firepower demonstration named ‘Vayu Shakti’ later that evening. President Murmu was scheduled to witness this significant event, showcasing the capabilities of modern military equipment.
Previous Milestones by President Murmu
This sortie is not the first time President Murmu has taken to the skies in an aircraft. In October 2025, she became the first Indian President to fly in a Rafale fighter aircraft, and earlier in April 2023, she flew a Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter over the Brahmaputra and Tezpur valley. These flights underscore her commitment to engaging with the military and understanding the operational capabilities of the IAF.
Defense Community Reaction
The sortie has received praise from defense analysts and supporters of the military. Experts emphasized that increased visibility of leaders in military platforms can enhance public confidence in national defense. A defense analyst commented, “This participation by the President is a strong message about India’s military readiness and innovation in defense technology.”
Future Implications for Indigenous Defense Production
As India pushes forward with its agenda for self-reliance in defense manufacture, the successful operation of the LCH Prachand could pave the way for further investments in indigenous technology. The government has committed to expanding its defense manufacturing capabilities under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, encouraging local firms to develop advanced military systems.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, who had previously flown in the Prachand during its formal induction, noted, “This helicopter serves as a beacon of India’s capabilities. Our focus remains on enhancing operational readiness and reducing dependence on foreign defense imports.”
Public and Political Reaction
The flight has drawn a range of responses from the public and political leaders. Many have expressed pride in the technological advancements of the country’s defense arsenal. Social media was abuzz with messages congratulating the President for her pioneering efforts.
Political leaders from various parties praised her engagement with the armed forces, asserting that her actions are symbolic of unity and strong leadership. One senior political figure remarked, “The President’s active role in military engagements signifies a new era of transparency and engagement in defense matters.”
Concluding Remarks
The successful sortie by President Droupadi Murmu in the LCH Prachand not only highlights her commitment to the Armed Forces but also emphasizes the importance of indigenous defense capabilities. As she prepares to witness the ‘Vayu Shakti’ demonstration, the event underlines India’s ongoing journey towards bolstering its military strength with homegrown technology.
Future reports are expected to detail the outcomes of the demonstrations and additional evaluations of the ‘Prachand’ as the IAF notes its performance in various operational scenarios.
This flight serves as a stepping stone for greater engagement between the leadership and military, ultimately aiming to ensure the nation’s defense readiness in an ever-evolving global landscape.