President Droupadi Murmu created history by becoming first President of India to take a sortie in a Rafale fighter jet at the Air Force Station, Ambala (Haryana). This makes her the first President to have flown in two different Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter aircrafts- earlier, she flew in a Sukhoi Su-30 MKI in 2023 at the Tezpur Air Force Station (Assam).
This event highlights the President’s ceremonial and symbolic role as the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, reaffirming India’s strong air defense capabilities and women’s leadership representation at the highest constitutional level.
Key Highlights
- Event Location: Air Force Station, Ambala, Haryana
- Aircraft: Rafale fighter jet
- Duration: Approx. 30 minutes sortie
- Distance Covered: Around 200 km
- Altitude: Around 15,000 feet above sea level
- Speed: About 700 km/h
- Pilot: Group Captain Amit Gehani, Commanding Officer of 17 Squadron “Golden Arrows”
- Accompanied by: Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, India’s first woman Rafale pilot
The President was briefed about the aircraft’s systems and operational capabilities before the sortie.
Ambala Air Force Station: Strategic Significance
- Established: 1948
- Importance: One of the oldest and most strategically vital IAF bases in India.
- Base Squadron: 17 Squadron “Golden Arrows”, which operates the Rafale fleet.
- Historical Note: Ambala was the first Indian Air Force Station to receive the Rafale jets from Dassault Aviation’s facility in France.
Military Powers of President of India
Constitutional Basis
Article 53(2):
- “Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing provision, the supreme command of the Defence Forces of the Union shall be vested in the President, and the exercise thereof shall be regulated by law.”
Key Military Powers
Supreme Commander of Armed Forces:
- The President holds the supreme command of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
- Appoints the Chiefs of the three defense services.
Declaration of War or Peace:
- Can declare war or conclude peace, subject to Parliamentary approval.
Defense Administration:
- All major defense policies, agreements, and appointments are made in the name of the President.
Limitation:
- Under Article 74, the President exercises these powers on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister.
About Rafale Fighter Jet
Background
- Manufacturer: Dassault Aviation, France
- Generation: 4.5 Generation multirole combat aircraft
- Type: Twin-engine, delta-wing, multirole fighter
- Operational in IAF Since: 2020
- Procurement:
- Deal Signed: 2016 between India and France
- Total Aircraft: 36 Rafale jets
- Contract Value: Approx. €7.87 billion (~₹59,000 crore)
- First Batch Arrival: 27 July 2020
- Induction Ceremony: September 2020 at Ambala Air Base
Operational Usage
- Rafales participated in Operation Sindoor (May 7), aimed at neutralizing terror infrastructures across borders in territories under Pakistan’s control — underscoring India’s offensive precision capabilities.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Details |
| Type | Multirole air-superiority fighter |
| Engines | 2 × SNECMA M88 turbofan engines |
| Thrust | 50 kN dry, 75 kN with afterburner |
| Maximum Speed | Mach 1.8 (≈2,220 km/h) |
| Combat Radius | Over 1,000 km |
| Range (Ferry) | ~3,700 km |
| Service Ceiling | 50,000 ft |
| Payload Capacity | Up to 9,500 kg (14 hardpoints) |
| Crew | 1 or 2 (variant dependent) |
Avionics and Systems
- Radar: RBE2-AA AESA Radar (Active Electronically Scanned Array) — enhances tracking and multi-target engagement.
- Electronic Warfare System: SPECTRA suite — provides radar warning, missile approach alerts, and jamming capabilities.
- Optical Sensors: Front Sector Optronics for infrared tracking and target detection.
- Weapons:
- Air-to-Air Missiles: MICA, Meteor
- Air-to-Ground Missiles: SCALP, HAMMER
- Nuclear Capability: Compatible with French ASMP-A missile (Rafale N variant).
Design and Aerodynamics
- Delta Wing + Canard Configuration: Provides superior agility, lift, and maneuverability.
- Low Radar Cross-Section: Enhances stealth capability.
- Supercruise Ability: Can fly at supersonic speeds without afterburners, saving fuel and reducing infrared signature.
Rafale Variants
| Variant | Description |
| Rafale C | Single-seat Air Force version for high-speed missions. |
| Rafale B | Twin-seat variant for training and enhanced mission capability. |
| Rafale M | Naval variant used on aircraft carriers (Charles de Gaulle, French Navy). |
| Rafale N | Dedicated nuclear strike variant. |
| Rafale R | Technology demonstrator / reconnaissance model. |
About Sukhoi Su-30 MKI (Previous Presidential Sortie, 2023)
- Type: Twin-seat, twin-engine multirole fighter
- Developed by: Russia’s Sukhoi and India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under license production.
- Inducted into IAF: 2002
- Role: Air superiority, strike, and long-range interception.
- Key Feature: Capable of mid-air refueling and nuclear delivery missions.
- Speed: Mach 2.0
- Range: Over 3,000 km with drop tanks.
President Murmu’s 2023 flight in a Su-30 MKI at Tezpur (Assam) made her the first President to fly in a supersonic fighter jet, showcasing India’s indigenous defense production strength.
Key Facts
| Category | Key Facts |
| Current President of India | Droupadi Murmu (Since July 25, 2022) |
| First Woman President of India | Droupadi Murmu |
| Supreme Commander of Armed Forces | President of India |
| Article on Supreme Command | Article 53(2), Constitution of India |
| Defense Headquarters | Ministry of Defence, South Block, New Delhi |
| Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) 2025 | Gen. Anil Chauhan |
| Chief of Air Staff (CAS) 2025 | Air Chief Marshal AP Singh |
| Ambala Air Force Station Established | 1948 |
| 17 Squadron “Golden Arrows” | Reinstated in 2019; operates Rafale fleet |
| Rafale Manufacturer | Dassault Aviation (France) |
| Rafale Induction Year (IAF) | 2020 |
| Rafale Base Locations (India) | Ambala (Haryana) and Hasimara (West Bengal) |
| First Indian Woman Rafale Pilot | Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh |
| Country Operating Rafale | France, India, Egypt, Qatar, Greece, Croatia, Indonesia, UAE (ordered) |
| India-France Defense Cooperation | Includes Rafale deal, Scorpene submarines, and joint space/maritime missions |
Significance
- Historic Presidential Milestone: First-ever sortie by a sitting President in a Rafale.
- Showcases India’s Defense Modernization: Symbol of India’s strengthening air power and global defense partnerships.
- Women’s Empowerment in Defense: Both the President and Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh embody India’s commitment to gender inclusion in armed forces.
- Strengthens India-France Ties: Reinforces strategic cooperation under the India-France Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (signed 1998).
- Public Confidence & Morale: Highlights the professionalism and technological edge of the Indian Air Force.
First Indian Woman Pilot to Fly Rafale Jet
Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh
- Origin: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Commissioned into IAF: 2017
- First Woman Rafale Pilot: Joined the Rafale squadron in 2020, becoming the first female fighter pilot to fly Rafale jets in the Indian Air Force.
- Previous Aircraft: Flew MiG-21 Bison before transitioning to Rafale.
- Significance: Represents the growing inclusion of women in frontline combat roles in India’s defense forces.