India’s President takes sortie in the LCH

The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu undertook a sortie in the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter PRACHAND at Air Force Station Jaisalmer, Rajasthan on 27 February 2026. Earlier, she had undertaken sorties in Sukhoi 30MKI and Rafale in 2023 and 2025, respectively.

The mission was undertaken as a two aircraft LCH formation. President Droupadi Murmu flew in the lead aircraft with Gp Capt Nayan Shantilal Bahua, while Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh and Gp Capt A Mahendra flew as Number 2 in the second aircraft. During the approximately 25 minute mission, they flew over Gadisar Lake and Jaisalmer Fort and attacked a Tank Target. 

Later in the visitor’s book, the President expressed her feelings by writing a brief note in which she said, “The sortie in India's indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopter 'Prachand' is an enriching experience for me. This sortie has filled me with a renewed sense of pride in the nation's defence capabilities. I congratulate the Indian Air Force and the entire team of Air Force Station Jaisalmer for successfully organising this sortie”.

In the evening, the President witnessed the Indian Air Force's Exercise Vayu Shakti at Jaisalmer.