Rafale Marine Makes First Landing on INS Vikrant

Rafale Marine Completes First Landing on INS Vikrant

The landing formed part of ongoing trials to assess the fighter aircraft’s compatibility with Indian aircraft carriers and their operating systems.

The tests are examining the aircraft’s ability to perform arrested landings, ski-jump take-offs and other carrier-based operations.

Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, witnessed the trials.

The Navy described the successful landing as an initial step towards operationalising the Rafale Marine within its fleet.

India Preparing to Induct 26 Rafale Marine Fighters

India signed an agreement with France in April 2025 to acquire 26 Rafale Marine aircraft in a deal valued at approximately Rs 63,000 crore.

The planned fleet comprises 22 single-seat fighters and four twin-seat aircraft for training.

Deliveries are expected to begin around 2028, with the aircraft intended to strengthen carrier-based combat capabilities and eventually replace ageing MiG-29K fighters.

The Rafale Marine can undertake air defence, maritime strike, reconnaissance and ground attack missions.

INS Vikrant Trials Strengthen India’s Naval Aviation

INS Vikrant, commissioned in September 2022, is India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier and operates using a Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery system.

Before the carrier trials, Rafale Marine operations were evaluated at the Shore-Based Test Facility at INS Hansa in Goa.

The facility reproduces key features of an aircraft carrier’s flight deck, allowing pilots and engineers to assess aircraft performance.

Successful integration of the Rafale Marine is expected to strengthen India’s maritime air power and expand the Navy’s operational options across the Indian Ocean region.