President Droupadi Murmu undertook a sortie in India's indigenous Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) ‘Prachand' at the Jaisalmer Air Force Station on Thursday, ahead of the Indian Air Force's major combat exercise ‘Vayu Shakti', according to Press Information Bureau. The President is on a two-day visit to Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
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She arrived in the desert city on Wednesday evening and is scheduled to witness the Indian Air Force's large-scale operational demonstration on Thursday. Prior to the exercise, she flew in the indigenously developed LCH as part of a two-helicopter formation.
According to PIB, the sortie was conducted with two LCH aircraft flying together. The second helicopter in the formation was piloted by the Chief of the Air Staff, Amarpreet Singh, who accompanied the President during the mission.
What is Prachand ?
The Light Combat Helicopter ‘Prachand' is India's first indigenously designed and developed combat helicopter.
It has been manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The helicopter is designed for operations in a wide range of conditions, including deserts, plains and high-altitude areas, and is capable of operating in extreme terrain and weather conditions.
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Officials said the sortie demonstrats the helicopter's operational readiness and advanced capabilities, particularly for high-altitude missions.
The flight was also seen as highlighting India's increasing focus on self-reliance in defence production under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, as well as the Indian armed forces' ongoing modernisation efforts.
Later in the day, President Murmu is scheduled to attend the Indian Air Force's flagship exercise ‘Vayu Shakti' at the Pokhran Field Firing Range, located near the India–Pakistan border.
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During the exercise, various fighter aircraft, helicopters and other aerial platforms of the Indian Air Force are expected to demonstrate their combat and operational capabilities.
According to reports, the President, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma are also expected to be present at the event.
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