**Executive Summary**
The Indian Army Hot Air Ballooning (HAB) Expedition from Bhopal to Pune was flagged-in on December 10, 2025, after being flagged off on November 30, 2025. The expedition, covering over 750 kilometers, set a new record for the longest duration hot air balloon flight in India, earning a place in the Asian Book of Records. The record-breaking flight of 8 hours and 44 minutes took place on December 5, 2025.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Expedition Overview:**
* The Indian Army Hot Air Ballooning (HAB) Expedition traveled from Bhopal to Pune.
* The expedition was conducted under the Indian Army Adventure Wing and flagged off on November 30, 2025.
* The team covered over 750 kilometers, traversing terrain from the Narmada Valley to the Western Ghats.
* Scheduled halts were made at Mhow, Sambhaji Nagar, and Ahilyanagar.
* **Record Achievement:**
* The expedition achieved a record-breaking non-stop hot air balloon flight of 8 hours and 44 minutes.
* The achievement earned a place in the Asian Book of Records.
* The record was set on December 5, 2025, starting in Sendhwa, Madhya Pradesh, and ending near Dhule, Maharashtra.
* **Community Engagement:**
* The team interacted with local youth at each location.
* Motivational talks, demonstrations, and outreach programs were held.
* The team promoted adventure as a way of life and ignited interest in the Armed Forces.
* **Recognition:**
* Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth congratulated the team for their accomplishment.
**Impact Analysis**
**Indian Army Hot Air Ballooning Team**
* **Impact:** Recognition of their professionalism, endurance, teamwork, and passion for aviation excellence.
* **Action Required:** None explicitly stated, but they will be recognised by their peers and superiors.
**Local Youth/Students**
* **Impact:** Opportunity to witness adventure sport and learn about the Indian Army's commitment.
* **Action Required:** Engage with the team and participate in available programs.
**Armed Forces**
* **Impact:** Strengthening of the culture of adventure within the forces.
* **Action Required:** None explicitly stated.
Key Entities Referenced
Indian Army Hot Air Ballooning (HAB) Expedition: The primary subject; the event of a hot air balloon expedition from Bhopal to Pune.
Indian Army Adventure Wing: The wing under whose aegis the HAB Expedition was conducted.
Bhopal: One of the key locations; the starting point of the hot air ballooning expedition.
Pune: One of the key locations; the destination point of the hot air ballooning expedition.
Asia Book of Records: Organization that recognized the expedition's achievement in hot air ballooning.
Ministry of Defence
Indian Army Hot Air Ballooning Expedition from
Bhopal to Pune Creates a New Record
प्रव तथ: 10 DEC 2025 2:31PM by PIB Mumbai
Pune, 10 December 2025
The Indian Army Hot Air Ballooning (HAB) Expedition from Bhopal to Pune was
flagged-in today at Pune. Conducted under the aegis of the Indian Army Adventure
Wing by the Hot Air Ballooning Node at EME Centre, Bhopal, the expedition was
flagged off on 30 November 2025. Covering over 750 kilometres, the team
traversed varied terrain from the Narmada Valley in Madhya Pradesh to the Western
Ghats in Maharashtra with scheduled halts at Mhow, Sambhaji Nagar and
Ahilyanagar. At each location, the team interacted with local youth, offering them an
opportunity to witness this unique adventure sport and learn about the Indian
Army’s commitment to fostering a spirit of exploration and resilience.
A major highlight of the expedition was its record-breaking non-stop Hot Air Baloon
flight of 8 hours and 44 minutes, earning a place in the Asian Book of Records for
the longest duration Hot Air Balloon flight in India. This remarkable achievement
showcases the team’s exceptional professionalism, endurance, teamwork and
passion for aviation excellence.Throughout the expedition, the team actively engaged with students and young
aspirants, promoting adventure as a way of life and igniting interest in the Armed
Forces. Motivational talks, demonstrations and outreach programmes highlighted
the values of courage, discipline and teamwork that define military life.
Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, AVSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern
Command, congratulated the team for its record-setting accomplishment and lauded
their determination, grit and spirit of adventure. He emphasised that such
pioneering initiatives strengthen the culture of adventure within the forces and
serve as a powerful medium to connect with the youth.PIB Pune | Ankush Chavan / Priti Malandkar
Follow us on social media: @PIBMumbai /PIBMumbai /pibmumbai pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]co
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