President Droupadi Murmu Takes to the Skies in ‘Prachand’ LCH; IAF Showcases Indigenous Combat Might at Jaisalmer​

JAISALMER, FEB 27, 2026 — In a historic display of India’s growing “Aatmanirbhar” defense prowess, President Droupadi Murmu successfully undertook a high-profile sortie in the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand at Air Force Station Jaisalmer today.

This mission marks a significant milestone in the President’s engagement with the Armed Forces, following her previous sorties in the Sukhoi-30 MKI and Rafale in 2023 and 2025.

During the approximately 25-minute mission, the President flew in a two-aircraft formation led by Group Captain Nayan Shantilal Bahua, while the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, flew in the second aircraft.

Soaring over iconic landmarks like Gadisar Lake and Jaisalmer Fort, the mission demonstrated the LCH’s lethal precision as the formation successfully engaged a simulated tank target.

Expressing her admiration in the visitor’s book, President Murmu noted that the experience filled her with a “renewed sense of pride” in the nation’s indigenous defense capabilities.

The President is scheduled to further witness the Indian Air Force’s massive fire-power demonstration, Exercise Vayu Shakti, later this evening, underscoring the strategic importance of the Rajasthan border sector.