President Murmu Makes History in ‘Prachand’ Helicopter

New Delhi, February 27, 2026: In a historic display of India’s growing “Aatmanirbharta” (self-reliance) in defense, President Droupadi Murmu scripted a new chapter in aviation history on February 27, 2026. As the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, she became the first Indian President to fly in the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) ‘Prachand.’

The sortie, conducted at the Jaisalmer Air Force Station in Rajasthan, serves as a powerful endorsement of India’s homegrown military technology.

A Flight into History: Key Details of the Sortie

President Murmu arrived at the Jaisalmer Air Force Station on Thursday evening and took to the skies on Friday morning. Dressed in flight gear and a helmet, she occupied the co-pilot’s seat in the tandem cockpit of the Prachand.

• Duration: The sortie lasted approximately 25 minutes, during which the President reviewed the aerial prowess of the aircraft.
• The Mission: The flight was part of a two-aircraft formation. The President was accompanied by Group Captain Nayan Shantilal Bahua, while the second LCH was piloted by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh.
• Aerial Survey: During the flight, the President carried out an aerial survey of the Jaisalmer region, including the iconic Jaisalmer Fort and the Pokhran field firing range.
• A National Message: In a rare and inspiring move, the President addressed the nation via a live radio broadcast from the cockpit. She described the Prachand as a “powerful symbol of self-reliance” and expressed her gratitude to the brave soldiers guarding the nation’s borders.

Why LCH Prachand is a Game-Changer

The LCH Prachand, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is the only attack helicopter in the world capable of landing and taking off at altitudes of 5,000 meters (16,400 feet). This makes it an indispensable asset for high-altitude warfare in regions like the Siachen Glacier and Eastern Ladakh.

Technical Highlights

Strengthening the ‘Supreme Commander’ Legacy

This is not the first time President Murmu has taken to the skies in a show of military solidarity. By flying the Prachand, she has completed a “trifecta” of sorts, having previously flown in the Sukhoi-30 MKI (at Tezpur in 2023) and the Rafale fighter jet (at Ambala in 2025).

Following her sortie, the President witnessed Exercise Vayu Shakti-2026, a massive firepower demonstration by the Indian Air Force at the Pokhran range. The exercise showcased the coordinated strike capabilities of various frontline aircraft, further highlighting India’s readiness for multi-front operations.