President Murmu makes history: Takes to the skies in Rafale fighter jet from Ambala airbase

Ambala (The Uttam Hindu): President Draupadi Murmu on Saturday took a historic flight in a French-made Rafale fighter aircraft from the Ambala Air Force Station. The President attended a special event organized by the Air Force as the chief guest. With this flight, she experienced firsthand the combat capabilities of the Indian Air Force.

In view of the President's important visit, the district administration and the Air Force had made unprecedented security arrangements. Deputy Commissioner Ajay Singh Tomar stated that the President arrived at the Air Force Station in Ambala Cantonment by air from Delhi. Officials and other relevant departments had already been assigned responsibilities for the organization and protocol of the event.

For security reasons, drone flying was strictly prohibited in the vicinity of the Air Force station. Additionally, mobile phones were not permitted inside the Air Force station, and only authorized personnel were allowed inside.

It is worth noting that India purchased Rafale fighter jets from France. The first batch of these aircraft, consisting of five Rafale aircraft, was received on July 27, 2020. These aircraft first arrived at Ambala Airbase. They took off from Merignac Airbase in France and arrived in India after a stopover at Al Dhafra Airbase in the United Arab Emirates.

On September 10, 2020, these aircraft were inducted into the Indian Air Force's 17th Squadron, the "Golden Arrows," at a grand ceremony at the Ambala Airbase. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and then-French Defense Minister Florence Parly were also special attendees. It should be noted that before President Murmu, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh had also flown a Rafale.