New Delhi, Dec 10 (LatestNewsX) – The Indian Army’s Hot Air Ballooning (HAB) Expedition, which began in Bhopal and finished in Pune, officially set off from the city this Wednesday after covering more than 750 km through Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. The long‑haul journey earned a spot in the Asian Book of Records as the country’s longest‑duration hot‑air balloon flight.
The adventure was organised by the Indian Army Adventure Wing, with the Hot Air Ballooning Node at the EME Centre in Bhopal handling the launch. Kick‑off occurred on Nov 30, 2025.
Along the 750‑kilometre route the crew flew over diverse landscapes—from the Narmada Valley to Maharashtra’s Western Ghats—stopping at Mhow, Sambhajinagar, and Ahilya Nagar. At each stop the team met local students, giving them a chance to glimpse this rare sport while learning about the Army’s drive to nurture curiosity and resilience.
A key feature of the mission was a nonstop balloon flight lasting 8 hours 44 minutes, a new record that made the Asian Book of Records. “This achievement demonstrates the crew’s professionalism, stamina, teamwork and passion for flight,” an Army officer said.
Throughout the tour, the balloonists engaged with school pupils and young hopefuls, championing adventure as a lifestyle and sparking interest in the armed forces. Motivational speeches, live demonstrations and outreach activities highlighted the core military values of courage, discipline and collaboration.
The expedition underscored the Army’s dedication to adventure and sport, showcasing the endurance, skill and determination that define its professionalism. By sharing these principles on every stop, the team not only fueled a sense of adventure inside the forces but also encouraged India’s youth to challenge themselves, pursue excellence and explore how they might join the Army.
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