CGP 2023: President Murmu recalls her experience of flying sortie in Su-30

President Droupadi Murmu on June 17recalled her experience of flying a sortie in Su-30 MKI aircraft. Murmu reviewed the Combined Graduation Parade in Dundigal, Telangana.Addressing the cadets, President Murmu said, “Armed forces have to keep in mind an integrated perspective of defence preparedness. I am happy to note that our Air Force is taking steps to be ever-ready, especially future-ready keeping in view the overall security scenario including the challenges of fighting a high-technology war. I am also happy to know about the indigenization efforts of the Ministry of Defense for realizing the national agenda of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.” I am glad that the Indian Air Force is now inducting women officers in all roles and branches. There is a substantial number of women fighter pilots which is bound to increase. In April 2023, I flew a sortie in a Sukhoi 30 MKI fighter aircraft at the Tejpur Air Force station in Assam. I flew for nearly 30 minutes covering Brahmaputra and Tejpur valleys with a great view of the Himalayas before returning to the Air force station. It was indeed a great experience to fly at a height of about 2 km above sea level at a speed of about 800 km/hour.”