President Droupadi Murmu has made history as the first Indian President to fly in an attack helicopter. On 27 February 2026 she flew in the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. This is also symbolic in conjunction with the fact that she is now the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and also a measure of India's strength to have indigenous defense technology.
Wearing an olive‑green flying suit and a helmet, President Murmu joined the Indian Air Force crew for a 25‑minute sortie in the Prachand. She sat down as a co‑pilot and got to see the advanced capabilities of the helicopter for herself. From the cockpit, she delivered a message, saluting India’s soldiers and expressing pride in the bravery and dedication of the nation’s air warriors.
The Light Combat Helicopter Prachand is India’s first indigenously developed attack helicopter, which was designed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). It can fly at high altitudes and is used in places such as Ladakh and the Siachen Glacier. With modern weapons and avionics, Prachand is at the forefront of India’s drive for self‑sufficiency in defense production.
It is not the first time President Murmu has flown in frontline military aircraft. She previously flew on a Sukhoi‑30 MKI fighter jet in 2023 and Rafale fighter jet in 2025. Her latest sortie in Prachand marks another milestone in her engagements with India’s defense forces, affirming her determination to spend time to experience the platforms that keep the country safe.
For several reasons, President Murmu’s flight is momentous:
- It also showcases India’s indigenous defense capabilities via the Prachand helicopter.
- It gives the military morale boost by having the President directly involved.
- It illustrates the impact women can have in the highest echelons of authority, disrupting roles within traditionally male‑dominated defense domains.
- It provides the world with a strong signal of confidence in India’s military technology.
President Droupadi Murmu, flying in the Prachand, sets a historic precedent. Her sortie is indicative of India's development in defense innovation and her own commitment to honoring the armed forces. By becoming the first Indian President to fly in an attack helicopter, she not only made history but also raised confidence in India’s march towards self‑reliance and strength in the skies.
