Published: 26 February 2026India TV NewsGovernance
President Murmu Flies LCH Prachand near Pakistan Border at Jaisalmer; Witnesses Vayu Shakti 2026
President Droupadi Murmu on February 27, 2026 flew a 25-minute sortie in the indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand near the India-Pakistan border from Jaisalmer Air Force Station, Rajasthan — becoming the first President of India to fly in the advanced combat helicopter. She was accompanied by Group Captain N.S. Bahua.
The President subsequently witnessed Exercise Vayu Shakti 2026 at Pokhran Firing Range, where the IAF showcased its firepower with over 130 aircraft including Rafale, Su-30MKI, Mirage 2000, MiG-29 and Jaguar. The exercise demonstrated day-and-night capability covering offensive strikes, air defence, special operations and humanitarian missions. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Air Chief Marshal AP Singh were also present.
0Mains angle
Q: Assess the strategic significance of President Murmu flying the indigenous LCH Prachand at Jaisalmer and witnessing Vayu Shakti 2026 at Pokhran.
Answer (50 words):
On February 27, 2026, President Droupadi Murmu flew a 25-minute sortie in the indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopter Prachand from Jaisalmer near the Pakistan border, becoming India's first President to fly it. She later witnessed Exercise Vayu Shakti 2026 at Pokhran, where the IAF displayed over 130 aircraft including Rafale and Su-30MKI.
6-axis classification
CoverageRajasthanSubjectScience & TechnologyExamBasic Computer Instructor · CET Graduation · CET Senior Secondary · EO/RO · LDC · Mahila Supervisor · Patwar · PTI · RAS · REET · RPSC SI · School Lecturer · Senior Computer Instructor · Senior Teacher · UPSC · Vanpal · BothSourceIndia TV News
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Linked questionMedium
Who became the first President of India to fly in the LCH Prachand?
Explanation · Correct answer BPresident Droupadi Murmu became the first Indian President to fly in LCH Prachand at Jaisalmer.
Frequently asked questions
What is LCH Prachand and why did President Murmu fly it near the Pakistan border?
The **Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand** is an indigenously developed advanced combat helicopter made by **HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited)**. On **February 27, 2026**, **President Droupadi Murmu** flew a **25-minute sortie** in the Prachand near the **India-Pakistan border** from **Jaisalmer Air Force Station**, becoming the **first President of India** to fly in this helicopter. She was accompanied by **Group Captain N.S. Bahua**.
What is Exercise Vayu Shakti 2026 that President Murmu witnessed at Pokhran?
**Exercise Vayu Shakti 2026** is a major Indian Air Force demonstration exercise held at the **Pokhran Firing Range** in Rajasthan. President Murmu witnessed the exercise after her LCH sortie on **February 27, 2026**. The exercise featured **over 130 aircraft** including **Rafale, Su-30MKI, Mirage 2000, MiG-29, and Jaguar**, demonstrating day-and-night capabilities covering **offensive strikes, air defence, special operations, and humanitarian missions**.
What aircraft were displayed at Exercise Vayu Shakti 2026 at Pokhran Rajasthan?
**Exercise Vayu Shakti 2026** at Pokhran Firing Range, Rajasthan featured **over 130 aircraft** including **Rafale jets, Su-30MKI, Mirage 2000, MiG-29, and Jaguar** aircraft. The exercise demonstrated day-and-night capabilities covering offensive air strikes, air defence, special operations, and humanitarian assistance missions. President Murmu witnessed it on **February 27, 2026**.
Who was the first President of India to fly in the LCH Prachand helicopter?
**President Droupadi Murmu** became the **first President of India** to fly in the indigenously developed **LCH Prachand** on **February 27, 2026**. She flew a **25-minute sortie** from **Jaisalmer Air Force Station** near the India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan, accompanied by **Group Captain N.S. Bahua**.
Where is Jaisalmer Air Force Station located and what is its strategic importance?
**Jaisalmer Air Force Station** is located in Rajasthan near the **India-Pakistan border** in the Thar Desert region. It serves as a key base for desert operations of the Indian Air Force. On **February 27, 2026**, President Murmu flew from here in the **LCH Prachand**, and later witnessed **Exercise Vayu Shakti 2026** at the nearby **Pokhran Firing Range**.
