Pune: Indian Army Sets New Record with Hot Air Balloon Expedition from Bhopal to Pune
Pune, 10th December 2025: The Indian Army’s Hot Air Ballooning (HAB) Expedition from Bhopal to Pune concluded today with a historic achievement, creating a new benchmark in adventure aviation in India. The expedition was flagged-in at Pune, marking the successful completion of a journey spanning over 750 kilometres.
Organised under the aegis of the Indian Army Adventure Wing and coordinated by the Hot Air Ballooning Node at EME Centre, Bhopal, the expedition was flagged off on 30 November 2025. The team navigated varied terrains, from the Narmada Valley in Madhya Pradesh to the Western Ghats in Maharashtra, with scheduled halts at Mhow, Sambhaji Nagar, and Ahilyanagar. At each stop, the team engaged with local youth, offering them a chance to witness this unique adventure sport and learn about the Indian Army’s emphasis on exploration, resilience, and adventure.
The expedition’s crowning achievement was a record-breaking non-stop Hot Air Balloon flight of 8 hours and 44 minutes, securing a place in the Asian Book of Records for the longest-duration Hot Air Balloon flight in India. This feat underlined the team’s professionalism, endurance, and teamwork, reflecting the Army’s high standards in aviation and adventure activities.
Beyond the flight itself, the team conducted motivational sessions and demonstrations for students and young aspirants, promoting adventure as a lifestyle and inspiring interest in the Armed Forces. The outreach highlighted the values of courage, discipline, and teamwork, core principles of military life.
Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, AVSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command, congratulated the team on this achievement. He remarked, “Such pioneering initiatives not only strengthen the culture of adventure within the Armed Forces but also serve as a powerful medium to engage and inspire our youth.”
The expedition stands as a testament to the Indian Army’s commitment to fostering adventure, resilience, and innovation, while building meaningful connections with communities across the country.
