Murmu flies sortie in LCH ‘Prachand’ near India-Pak border in Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer, Feb 27: In a resounding display of India’s growing defense self-reliance, President Droupadi Murmu today became the first Head of State to fly as a co-pilot in the indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) ‘Prachand’.

The 25-minute sortie took place at the Jaisalmer Indian Air Force (IAF) Station, situated near the sensitive India-Pakistan border. Dressed in an olive-green flight suit and helmet, the President—who serves as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces—was briefed by the crew before taking to the skies in a two-aircraft LCH formation.

The flight is seen as a major endorsement of India’s domestic defense manufacturing. Developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Prachand (meaning “fierce”) is the world’s only attack helicopter capable of landing and taking off at altitudes of 5,000 meters (16,400 ft) with a significant load of weapons and fuel. It features a narrow fuselage, low radar signature, and is equipped with a 20 mm turret gun, 70 mm rockets, and air-to-air missiles, making it a specialist for high-altitude operations like those in the Siachen Glacier.

The President’s flight over the desert terrain of Rajasthan comes at a strategically significant time, just ahead of the IAF’s massive firepower demonstration, Exercise Vayu Shakti-2026, at the Pokhran Field Firing Range. Accompanying the President in the second LCH was the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh. Following the sortie, the President interacted with the “Air Warriors” at the station, praising their commitment to national security.

“Flying in the Prachand was a memorable experience. It fills me with immense pride to see our indigenous capabilities reaching such heights of excellence,” the President noted following her landing.

This is not President Murmu’s first time in a high-performance cockpit. She has consistently used her role to boost military morale through personal engagement with frontline platforms, having previously flown in a Sukhoi-30 MKI at Tezpur in 2023 and a Rafale jet at Ambala in 2025. Today’s flight marks her as the first President to co-pilot the indigenous LCH Prachand. Later this evening, President Murmu will attend Vayu Shakti, where over 77 fighter jets and 43 helicopters will showcase India’s combat readiness in a day-to-night operation.