Breaking: President Draupadi Murmu set to take historic Rafale flight from Ambala air base

President Draupadi Murmu arrived at Ambala Air Force Station to join pilots and ground crews of the Golden Arrow squadron ahead of a scheduled Rafale flight. The visit included formal interactions with air force personnel credited with recent operational missions, and was presented as an affirmation of the armed forces’ capabilities. Photographs from the base showed the President in flight gear inspecting the cockpit area and speaking with pilots and technicians. For the flight, she is expected to occupy the rear seat of a two-seat trainer variant while experienced pilots handle the controls, a standard arrangement for VIP sorties. Officials underlined the extensive medical and safety protocols followed before such flights, given the physiological demands of high-speed maneuvers. The event has been presented as both a ceremonial salute to the air force and a public demonstration of confidence in the Rafale platform and the service personnel who operate it.