Droupadi Murmu Flies LCH Prachand Helicopter

President Droupadi Murmu on Friday became the first Indian President to undertake a sortie in an attack helicopter, flying in the indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand near the India–Pakistan border in Rajasthan. The 25-minute flight took place from the Jaisalmer Air Force Station, marking another milestone in her engagement with frontline military platforms as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

Historic Sortie Over Jaisalmer

Clad in an olive-green flying suit and helmet, President Murmu flew as co-pilot in the LCH Prachand after being briefed by Indian Air Force officials. The helicopter took off from Jaisalmer and flew over the strategically significant Pokhran firing range, where the IAF’s firepower demonstration ‘Vayu Shakti’ is scheduled. During the sortie, she delivered a message to the nation from the cockpit, praising the armed forces and highlighting the importance of indigenous defence capabilities.

Symbol of Indigenous Defence Capability

The LCH Prachand is India’s first indigenously designed and developed combat helicopter, built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Designed for high-altitude warfare, it is equipped with advanced avionics, stealth features, night-attack capability, air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, rockets, and a 20 mm turret gun. Its deployment significantly strengthens India’s operational readiness along sensitive borders, particularly in mountainous terrain.

Continuing Engagement with Frontline Platforms

This is not President Murmu’s first experience in advanced combat aircraft. In April 2023, she flew in a Sukhoi-30 MKI at Tezpur Air Force Station in Assam. In October 2023, she undertook a sortie in a Rafale fighter aircraft at Ambala Air Force Station. With the Prachand sortie, she has now flown in multiple frontline combat platforms of the Indian Air Force, underscoring civilian leadership’s direct engagement with defence preparedness.

Important Facts for Exams

• LCH Prachand is India’s first indigenously developed attack helicopter.
• It is designed for high-altitude operations, including in the Himalayas.
• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) manufactures the LCH.
• Pokhran in Rajasthan is a key military firing range for major demonstrations.

Strategic Significance of the Demonstration

The sortie coincided with preparations for the IAF’s ‘Vayu Shakti’ exercise, which showcases India’s aerial combat and precision strike capabilities in day, dusk and night conditions. The President’s participation reinforces the government’s emphasis on self-reliance in defence production under the broader push for indigenous military modernisation.