Argus News - President Droupadi Murmu Undertakes Sortie in Indigenous LCH Prachand at Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer, Feb 27: President Droupadi Murmu on Friday undertook a sortie in the indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand at Air Force Station Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, officials said.

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

According to the officials, the mission was carried out in a two-aircraft formation, with the President flying in the lead helicopter alongside Group Captain Nayan Shantilal Bahua. The second aircraft was piloted by Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, accompanied by Group Captain A. Mahendra.

During the 25-minute mission, the formation flew over Gadisar Lake and Jaisalmer Fort, before engaging a simulated tank target. This marks the President’s third sortie with the Indian Air Force, following her flights in the Sukhoi-30 MKI in 2023 and the Rafale fighter jet in 2025.

In her note in the visitor’s book, President Murmu described the experience as “enriching” and expressed pride in India’s defence capabilities. She congratulated the Indian Air Force and the team at Air Force Station Jaisalmer for successfully organizing the sortie.

Later in the evening, the President is scheduled to witness Exercise Vayu Shakti, a major operational demonstration by the Indian Air Force at Jaisalmer.