President Droupadi Murmu arrived at Ambala Air Force Station today, where she received a grand welcome. She participated as the chief guest in a special program of the Indian Air Force. As part of the program, President Murmu is set to fly in a French-made Rafale fighter jet shortly.
Ambala: India's President Droupadi Murmu arrived at Haryana's Ambala Air Force Station on Wednesday morning, where she participated as the chief guest in a special program organized by the Indian Air Force. During this, President Murmu is scheduled to fly in a French-made state-of-the-art Rafale fighter aircraft. This is considered a historic moment of her tenure, as only a few Indian dignitaries have flown in this powerful fighter jet before.
Strict Security Arrangements Before Rafale Flight
In view of the President's Ambala visit, security arrangements have been made extremely robust. The district administration and Air Force officials have jointly placed the entire air force station and its surrounding areas on high alert. Deputy Commissioner Ajay Singh Tomar informed that the President arrived at Ambala Cantonment Airbase from Delhi via a special aircraft. Flying drones around the Air Force Station has been completely banned. Additionally, no unauthorized person has been allowed to enter the base.
Carrying mobile phones at the event venue is also prohibited. Only authorized officers from the Air Force and the protocol team were granted entry. Additional security forces have also been deployed on roads around the airbase to prevent any disruption to the President's program.
President Murmu's Historic Flight
President Murmu's flight is being considered a symbol of women's power and India's modern defense capabilities. As India's first woman tribal President, her flying in the Rafale will add a new chapter to the history of the Indian Air Force. According to sources, President Murmu might undertake a circuit flight over Ambala Airbase, accompanied by experienced Air Force pilots. During the flight, she will be briefed on the Rafale's technical capabilities, weapon systems, and avionics.
India had signed an agreement with France to purchase 36 Rafale fighter jets, the first batch of which arrived in India on July 27, 2020. These aircraft flew from France's Mérignac Airbase, made a stopover at Al Dhafra Airbase in the United Arab Emirates, and then landed at Ambala Airbase. A grand induction ceremony was held on September 10, 2020, in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and French Defence Minister Florence Parly. Following this, these aircraft were inducted into the Indian Air Force's 17th Squadron "Golden Arrows."
