India is set to witness a historic moment as President Droupadi Murmu, the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, takes a sortie in the Rafale fighter jet at Ambala Air Force Station in Haryana. The President’s flight in the French-made jet symbolizes India’s growing air power and women’s representation in defence.
This marks her second combat aircraft sortie, following her Sukhoi-30 MKI flight in April 2023 from Tezpur, Assam. The event also aligns with Dassault Aviation’s plans to establish a Rafale assembly line in India, reinforcing the nation’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Key Highlights of President Droupadi Murmu’s Rafale Sortie
- Second Fighter Jet Sortie: President Murmu earlier flew in a Sukhoi-30 MKI jet at Tezpur Air Force Station in April 2023, becoming the third Indian President to do so.
- Rafale Sortie from Ambala: Her latest sortie will take place from Ambala Air Force Base, the first home of the Indian Air Force’s Rafale fleet.
- Operation Sindoor Connection: Rafale jets were used during Operation Sindoor to strike terrorist hideouts in Pakistan.
- Dassault’s India Plan: The event coincides with Dassault Aviation’s plan to set up a Rafale assembly line in India under the Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited (DRAL) venture.
- Future Defence Boost: The Indian Air Force is eyeing 114 fighter jets, and the Indian Navy has plans for 26 more Rafales, making this one of the largest upcoming global defence orders.
A Landmark Day for Indian Defence and Leadership
President Droupadi Murmu’s sortie in the Rafale fighter jet marks a defining chapter in India’s defence history. The Ambala Airbase, which houses India’s first Rafale squadron “Golden Arrows,” is set to host the President for this symbolic and high-precision flight.
This act is more than ceremonial; it demonstrates India’s trust in its pilots, aircraft, and defence readiness. The President’s participation also reflects her consistent engagement with India’s armed forces and technological advancements, inspiring confidence in India’s indigenization journey.
Continuing a Presidential Tradition
President Murmu joins the league of former Presidents APJ Abdul Kalam and Pratibha Patil, who both undertook sorties in the Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jet. Her first experience in the Sukhoi on April 8, 2023, made her the third Indian President to take flight in a combat jet.
Now, with the Rafale sortie, she becomes the first Indian President to fly India’s newest and most advanced 4.5-generation fighter aircraft. The move highlights the growing involvement of India’s top leadership in understanding and promoting defence capabilities.
Rafale Jets: Backbone of India’s Air Dominance
- Manufactured by French company Dassault Aviation, Rafale jets were first inducted into the Indian Air Force in September 2020. Developed independently by France after separating from a joint European project in the late 1970s, the Rafale became operational for the French Air Force and Navy in 2001.
- Rafale jets can reach speeds up to 1,912 kmph at high altitudes and 1,390 kmph at lower levels, offering agility, precision, and unmatched combat capability. The Indian Air Force operates both two-seater Rafale DH and single-seater Rafale MH variants, while the Indian Navy primarily uses the MH variant for carrier operations.
Global Footprint of Rafale Fighters
Besides India and France, Rafale jets are operated by Croatia, Egypt, Greece, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Orders have also been placed by Indonesia (delivery in 2026) and Serbia, which will receive 12 Rafales by 2029.
Also Read: Sky High Glory: Celebrating Indian Air Force Day
Currently, Dassault Aviation faces a backlog of nearly 200 Rafale orders, including 80 for the UAE, 42 for Indonesia, 12 for Croatia, 54 for Egypt, 24 for Greece, and 36 for Qatar. The Indian Navy’s 26-aircraft order is expected to be finalized soon, with deliveries starting in 2027.
India’s Upcoming Rafale Manufacturing Line
Dassault’s expansion plans come at a crucial time for India’s defence growth. Its joint venture with Reliance, Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited (DRAL), based at the MIHAN Special Economic Zone in Nagpur, is expected to host a new Rafale manufacturing line.
Sources suggest that the production facility will have four hangars spread over half a million square feet, with an annual capacity of 24 aircraft (two per month) starting in 2028.
Each aircraft, estimated at ₹1,000 crore, would contribute about ₹24,000 crore in annual turnover. The project involves an additional investment of around ₹3,000 crore and will generate employment for over 1,200 skilled personnel, doubling the current workforce at DRAL.
President’s Message on Clean Energy and Progress
Before departing for Ambala, President Murmu inaugurated the Eighth Session of the International Solar Alliance Assembly in New Delhi, where she highlighted the global urgency to combat climate change. She emphasized that affordable and clean energy empowers communities, drives local economies, and ensures sustainable progress, a message reflecting India’s balanced vision of military and environmental strength.
A Symbol of Women’s Empowerment and National Pride
President Droupadi Murmu’s Rafale sortie stands as a beacon of inspiration, symbolizing not just India’s defence prowess but also women’s representation in leadership. Her flight embodies determination, courage, and national pride, bridging the gap between governance and ground reality.
As the nation watches, this event becomes more than a symbolic gesture, it becomes a statement of India’s self-confidence, military might, and the forward march toward Atmanirbharta (self-reliance).
India Takes Flight Toward a Stronger Tomorrow
President Murmu’s Rafale sortie from Ambala Airbase is a defining moment that resonates with India’s spirit of progress and equality. With the country gearing up to host its own Rafale assembly line and the Air Force preparing for large-scale inductions, India is setting the stage for a new era in aerospace self-reliance. The President’s participation not only underscores the importance of women in leadership but also strengthens the message that India’s skies belong to those who dare to dream and defend.
Spiritual Insight: The Deeper Knowledge Shared by Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji
While India celebrates milestones in science and defence, Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji emphasizes that true strength lies not only in technological progress but in spiritual realization. According to His divine teachings, worldly success and power are incomplete without understanding the purpose of human life and connection with the Supreme God.
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji explains through evidence from holy scriptures that the ultimate peace and protection come only through devotion to the Supreme Almighty,Kabir Sahib. Just as the nation defends its skies with powerful jets like Rafale, the soul too must safeguard itself through true spiritual knowledge and Naam initiation granted by an Enlightened Saint.
His message inspires millions to live with righteousness, compassion, and humility while excelling in worldly duties. By following the true spiritual path, one can attain lasting inner peace and liberation beyond material achievements.
For authentic spiritual knowledge and guidance, visit www.jagatgururampalji.org and the official YouTube channel, Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj.
FAQs on President Droupadi Murmu’s Rafale Sortie at Ambala Airbase
1. When will President Droupadi Murmu take her Rafale sortie?
President Droupadi Murmu will take her Rafale fighter jet sortie from Ambala Air Force Station, Haryana, on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.
2. Has President Murmu flown in a fighter jet before?
Yes, she earlier flew in a Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter aircraft from Tezpur Air Force Station, Assam, on April 8, 2023.
3. What is the significance of the Rafale sortie?
The Rafale sortie marks India’s growing defence strength, women’s leadership in the armed forces, and the President’s active engagement with national defence initiatives.
4. Which company manufactures Rafale fighter jets?
Rafale jets are manufactured by Dassault Aviation, a French aerospace company known for producing advanced multirole combat aircraft.
5. What are Dassault’s plans for India?
Dassault plans to establish a Rafale assembly line in Nagpur’s MIHAN SEZ under Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited (DRAL), boosting India’s defence manufacturing and employment.
