India’s Union Minister Flies Sukhoi Su-30MKI Fighter

India’s Union Minister Kiren Rijiju flew onboard a Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft from Halwara Air Force Base, Punjab on Wednesday.

Mr Rijiju flew for about 30 minutes in the supersonic jet, which can go up to the height of 56,800 feet at a maximum speed of 2,100 km per hour.

"Sukhoi flying brought me closer to IAF team at Halwara Air Force Station. Salute to brave pilots for securing our sky," the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs told PTI after the sortie.

Mr Rijiju joined the list of dignitaries who had cruised in the aircraft that include former Presidents late A P J Abdul Kalam and Pratibha Patil and former Defence Minister George Fernandes.

Mr Rijiju occupied the co-pilot's seat along with an experienced top notch fighter pilot of the IAF. According to the report, a few days ago Mr Rijiju had undergone a successful medical fitness test.

Mr Rijiju under took the sortie following a request by IAF chief Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, sources said.