Indian Army’s Hot Air Ballooning Expedition from Bhopal to Pune Sets New National Record

The Indian Army’s Hot Air Ballooning (HAB) Expedition from Bhopal to Pune was ceremonially flagged-in today in Pune, marking the successful completion of a unique and path-breaking adventure initiative.

Organised under the aegis of the Indian Army Adventure Wing and executed by the Hot Air Ballooning Node at the EME Centre, Bhopal, the expedition began on 30 November 2025. Over the course of its journey, the team covered more than 750 kilometres, navigating diverse terrain from the Narmada Valley in Madhya Pradesh to the rugged Western Ghats in Maharashtra. En route, the expedition made scheduled halts at Mhow, Sambhaji Nagar and Ahilyanagar. At each stop, the team interacted with local youth, offering them firsthand exposure to this rare adventure sport and showcasing the Army’s commitment to nurturing a spirit of exploration, resilience and national pride.

A standout achievement of the expedition was its record-setting non-stop hot air balloon flight lasting 8 hours and 44 minutes, earning recognition in the Asian Book of Records as the longest-duration hot air balloon flight in India. This extraordinary feat reflects the team’s high levels of professionalism, physical endurance, teamwork and unwavering passion for aviation excellence.

Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, AVSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command, congratulated the team on its historic accomplishment. He praised their grit, determination and adventurous spirit, noting that such pioneering endeavours not only enhance the culture of adventure within the Army but also serve as an impactful platform to inspire and connect with the nation’s youth.

Throughout the journey, the ballooning team conducted a series of outreach activities, including motivational talks, live demonstrations and interactive sessions with students and aspiring young adventurers. These efforts aimed to promote adventure as an essential way of life while also sparking curiosity about career opportunities in the Armed Forces. Core military values of courage, discipline and cooperation were highlighted at every stage.