Clad in an olive-green flying suit and helmet, President Droupadi Murmu took a 25-minute sortie as co-pilot in Light Combat Helicopter `Prachand` near the India-Pakistan border in Jaisalmer district

According to the Indian Air Force (IAF), the helicopter took off from the Jaisalmer Air Force Station after the president was briefed by the captain

"Prachand helicopter is a powerful symbol of self-reliance. At this moment, I am flying over the Jaisalmer district. I extend my heartfelt greetings and deepest gratitude to our brave soldiers. A warm salute to you, Jai Hind, Jai Bharat", says President

IAF Chief Air Marshal A P Singh welcomed the president at the IAF station

LCH Prachand is India`s first indigenously designed and developed combat helicopter, built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited

The helicopter flew over the Pokharan firing range, where the IAF is scheduled to conduct its firepower demonstration, `Vayu Shakti`

President Droupadi Murmu, centre, with Chief of the Air staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, and others, poses for photographs after undertaking a sortie in the HAL Light Combat Helicopter `Prachand` at Air Force Station, in Jaisalmer

With today`s sortie, Murmu became the first Indian president to fly in an attack helicopter, adding another milestone to her engagements with frontline military platforms.