Indian President Creates History By Flying In Fighter Jet

November 26, 2009 9:44 a.m. EST

New Delhi (AHN) - Indian President Pratibha Patil created history on Wednesday when she flew in a fighter aircraft. She is not only the first woman president to do so but also the oldest at 74 years.

After landing, Patil said, "It was a wonderful and unique experience."

Patil undertook the historic sortie on the Sukhoi 30 MKI Fighter Aircraft at the Lohegaon Air Force Station, Pune on Wednesday.

The sortie lasted for almost half an hour and the President was flown at a height of about 2 kilometers above sea level and at a speed of about 800 kilometers per hour.

Patil had to undergo a minor physical test, upon completion of which she sat in the aircraft in a G-suit, gloves and integrated helmet.

She later told reporters, "this is an ideal example for woman empowerment. It is a worth, unforgettable, and unique experience of my life. I am very much proud that nation security is in hand of knowledgeable, talented and capable pilots. Today's available air crafts and new technological equipment are adequate for national security."

The sortie provided the President an opportunity to get a close look at the sophisticated equipment used in the Sukhoi 30 MKI.

Patil's predecessor, former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam also took a similar sortie in Su-30 MKI from Lohegaon air base on June 8, 2006.

Later in the day, the President of the Russian Federation, Mr. Dmitry Medvedev spoke to the President. He said the historic sortie has furthered strengthened the friendship, co-operation and partnership between Russia and India.

The Sukhoi 30 MKI is an advanced, fourth generation, state of the art fighter aircraft of Russian origin.