Published: 26 February 2026PIB / President of India / India StrategicDefence Security
President Murmu Flies HAL Prachand LCH, Witnesses Exercise Vayu Shakti 2026 at Pokhran, Rajasthan
On February 27, 2026, President Droupadi Murmu made history by becoming the first President of India to fly in the indigenously developed HAL Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) 'Prachand' at Air Force Station, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. The approximately 25-minute sortie was conducted as a two-aircraft LCH formation, with President Murmu flying in the lead aircraft along with Group Captain Nayan Shantilal Bahua, while Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh flew in the second aircraft.
During the sortie, the formation flew over Gadisar Lake and Jaisalmer Fort and engaged a simulated tank target, showcasing the helicopter's combat capabilities. The Prachand is India's first fully indigenous combat helicopter designed to operate beyond 5,000 metres altitude, with an operational ceiling of 6,000–6,500 metres and a maximum speed of 268 km/h. It features a glass cockpit, crashworthy structure, over 65% indigenous content, and is powered by two HAL/Turbomeca Shakti turboshaft engines.
In the evening, President Murmu witnessed Exercise Vayu Shakti 2026 — the Indian Air Force's mega firepower demonstration — at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer district. Over 130 aircraft including Rafale, Su-30MKI, Mirage-2000, Jaguar, MiG-29 participated in a 2-hour 35-minute demonstration spanning daylight, dusk, and night conditions. For the first time, the exercise followed a structured operational storyline simulating a live combat theatre, reflecting the IAF's doctrine of multi-domain integrated operations. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief of the Air Staff also attended.
Mains angle
Q: What is the significance of President Murmu flying the HAL Prachand LCH and Exercise Vayu Shakti 2026 at Pokhran for defence self-reliance?
Answer (50 words):
President Murmu became the first Indian President to fly the indigenous Prachand helicopter at Jaisalmer on February 27, 2026. The Prachand features over 65% indigenous content and operates above 5,000 metres. Exercise Vayu Shakti at Pokhran deployed over 130 aircraft including Rafale, Su-30MKI across daylight, dusk, and night conditions.
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 · BothSourcePIB / President of India / India Strategic
Practice MCQ from this story
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Linked questionMedium
On which date did President Droupadi Murmu undertake a sortie in the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter PRACHAND at Air Force Station Jaisalmer?
Explanation · Correct answer AOn February 27, 2026, President Droupadi Murmu undertook a sortie in the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter PRACHAND at Air Force Station Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. The official PIB release notes that she had earlier flown in Sukhoi-30 MKI and Rafale aircraft in 2023 and 2025, respectively.
Frequently asked questions
What historic distinction did President Droupadi Murmu achieve at Jaisalmer on February 27, 2026?
President Droupadi Murmu became the first Indian President to fly in the indigenously developed HAL Prachand Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) at Jaisalmer on February 27, 2026, making her the first Head of State to do so.
What is Exercise Vayu Shakti and where was the 2026 edition held?
Exercise Vayu Shakti is the Indian Air Force's biennial firepower demonstration exercise. The 2026 edition was held at Pokhran Range in Rajasthan and featured 130+ aircraft including Rafale, Su-30MKI, and LCH Prachand performing combat manoeuvres and live weapon demonstrations.
What is the HAL Prachand LCH and when was it inducted into the Indian Air Force?
The HAL Prachand (Light Combat Helicopter) is India's first indigenously designed and developed dedicated attack helicopter. It was formally inducted into the Indian Air Force in 2022. It can operate in high-altitude terrains and is equipped for both anti-tank and close air support roles.
Why are Pokhran and Jaisalmer significant for India's defence exercises?
Pokhran and Jaisalmer in Rajasthan are India's premier zones for air force exercises and live-fire testing due to the vast arid terrain and low population density. Pokhran is also historically significant as the site of India's nuclear tests in 1974 (Pokhran-I) and 1998 (Pokhran-II).
When was the previous Exercise Vayu Shakti held before the 2026 edition?
The previous major edition of Exercise Vayu Shakti was held in 2019. The 2026 edition marked its return after a gap, with a significantly enhanced aircraft fleet including newly inducted platforms like the Rafale and Tejas Mk-1A.
