Marking another milestone in India’s defense journey, Supreme Commander President Droupadi Murmu took the controls—figuratively—of the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter Prachand during Vayu Shakti 2026 at Jaisalmer. The Friday flight in full aviator kit, paired with Air Chief Marshal AP Singh’s chopper, thrilled onlookers and symbolized technological sovereignty.
Prachand’s specs impress: night vision, electronic warfare suites, and lethality in extreme altitudes. Built to dominate contested airspace, it’s a cornerstone of IAF modernization.
The backdrop was Vayu Shakti’s spectacle—jets screaming overhead, munitions raining down with pinpoint fury, affirming India’s aerial dominance. Murmu’s presence elevated it to inspirational heights.
Serial achiever Murmu previously thrilled in a Rafale from Haryana, a Su-30MKI in Assam, and INS Vagsheer’s depths off Karnataka. Her sub ride, guided by Admiral Tripathi, delved into torpedo systems and sonar networks, making her the second President post-Kalam to venture underwater.
Strategic minds see these sorties as morale multipliers and policy affirmations. From subs to jets to rotors, they weave a narrative of capable, indigenous forces ready for any challenge. Jaisalmer’s skies now echo with pride for Prachand and the visionaries behind it.