Prime Minister Narendra Modi donned an olive green fighter pilot G-suit as he soared through the skies in Aircraft Tejas on Saturday.
This marked the first instance of an Indian Prime Minister undertaking a fighter aircraft sortie, as informed by the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Wearing aviator glasses and a helmet, Prime Minister Modi was seated in the rear cockpit behind the pilot.
The 30-minute sortie over Bengaluru's skies aimed to showcase the capabilities of the Tejas aircraft.
Throughout the sortie, PM Modi keenly observed the surroundings, exchanging waves with another fighter aircraft visible at a distance.
On X, PM Modi expressed that 'The experience was incredibly enriching, significantly bolstering my confidence in our country's indigenous capabilities.'
PM Modi also stated, 'Due to our hard work and dedication, we are no less than anyone in the world in the field of self-reliance.'
On landing, PM Modi applauded IAF personnel, waving and making thumbs-up gestures again.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi visited Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to review ongoing work at its manufacturing facilities.
PM Modi's emphasis on indigenous production aligns with the Centre's efforts to enhance manufacturing and export of defence products within India.