Jaisalmer: President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday undertook an exhilarating sortie in India’s indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand at the Air Force Station in Jaisalmer, marking a powerful endorsement of the country’s growing defence prowess.
The President flew in the lead aircraft of a two-helicopter formation alongside Group Captain Nayan Shantilal Bahua. The second aircraft was piloted by Chief of Air Staff Amar Preet Singh and Group Captain A. Mahendra.
President Droupadi Murmu undertook a sortie in the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter Prachand at Air Force Station Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. The President said that we are extremely proud of our country’s brave air warriors. She described LCH Prachand as a powerful symbol of… pic.twitter.com/AbtCgBkLWi
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) February 27, 2026
During the approximately 25-minute mission, the formation soared across Jaisalmer’s iconic skyline, flying over Gadisar Lake and the majestic Jaisalmer Fort, before executing a precision strike on a designated tank target — showcasing the combat capabilities of the indigenous attack helicopter.
After landing, President Murmu described the experience as “enriching,” stating that flying in India’s home-grown Light Combat Helicopter filled her with renewed pride in the nation’s defence strength. She congratulated the Indian Air Force and the team at Air Force Station Jaisalmer for flawlessly organising the sortie.
The President is also scheduled to witness the Indian Air Force’s mega firepower demonstration, Exercise Vayu Shakti, later in the evening in Jaisalmer — further underlining India’s military preparedness and indigenous defence push.
