New Delhi: In a proud moment for the nation, President Droupadi Murmu will take a sortie in a Rafale fighter jet at the Ambala Air Force Station in Haryana on Wednesday. As the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, she will personally experience India’s advanced aerial capabilities aboard the Rafale.
Earlier, in April 2023, President Murmu flew in a Sukhoi-30 MKI at Tezpur Air Force Station in Assam, demonstrating her deep interest in the country’s defence preparedness.
The Rafale fighter jet, known for its performance in Operation Sindoor, represents India’s growing air superiority. With its speed, precision, and agility, Rafale strengthens the Indian Air Force’s strategic power.
Meanwhile, Dassault Aviation of France plans to establish a Rafale assembly line in India. The company aims to support the upcoming Indian Air Force and Navy orders, positioning India to become the first country to produce a 4.5-generation fighter aircraft without being an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).
Dassault currently faces a backlog of around 200 Rafales, including orders from the UAE, Indonesia, Croatia, Egypt, Greece, and Qatar. Since the company can build only 24 jets each year, it plans to expand production through Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited (DRAL) in Nagpur.
India’s defence industry is preparing for massive growth. The Air Force expects to purchase 114 fighter jets, and the Navy plans to finalize an order for 26 Rafales next year. The DRAL facility at MIHAN SEZ, Nagpur, will expand by 2028, creating more than 1,200 jobs and generating nearly ₹24,000 crore in annual output.
President Murmu’s Rafale sortie reflects India’s defence confidence, women’s empowerment, and a strong push toward Atmanirbhar Bharat. Her flight in the Rafale is not just symbolic it embodies India’s determination to rise as a global aerospace power.
–IANS
