A Rafale Marine aircraft successfully landed on board India’s indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant on its maiden attempt on October 29, marking the beginning of trials towards operationalising the aircraft in the Indian Navy.
The trials are for the modifications to the aircraft required for carrying out operations from the Indian aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, Defence officials said on Wednesday. The Rafale-Marine (Rafale-M) is a fighter jet designed to operate from aircraft carriers at sea. It is built by Dassault Aviation of France and is already being used by the French Navy. This deal marks India’s first acquisition of the naval variant of the Rafale, making it the first international operator of this model. The deal also covers pilot training, flight simulators, weapons, essential equipment, and long-term maintenance support.
The Indian Navy has signed a contract for 26 Rafale Marines, which are scheduled to be delivered by the end of 2028 or early 2029, as per the officials. On April 28, 2025, India signed a significant defence agreement with France to procure 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets, valued at approximately Rs 63,000 crore. This includes 22 single-seat jets and 4 twin-seat jets.
The landing took place during ongoing trials on board INS Vikrant, India’s indigenous aircraft carrier, the Indian Navy said.
Earlier, trials of the Rafale Marine fighter aircraft were being carried out in Goa by the Indian Navy.
The aircraft will help the Navy target enemy fighter jets, ensuring the air defence capability of the fleet and allowing the Navy to exercise control over the seas while staying outside enemy weapon ranges. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.) Earlier reporting noted: Rafale M carries out maiden landing, take-off on INS Vikrant A Rafale Marine fighter jet landed on and took off from the Indian Navy’s indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant for the first time on Thursday, officials aware of the matter said. The ongoing trials, ahead of the induction of these fighters, mark the first steps towards operationalising the aircraft in the navy, they said on Friday. In addition, it includes extra gear for the Rafale jets already being used by the Indian Air Force. In line with the Government’s thrust on Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the agreement includes Transfer of Technology for integration of indigenous weapons in India. The Indian Navy currently operates two aircraft carriers, INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya. The Rafale-M jets will be used for missions like air defence, maritime strike, reconnaissance, and shore strikes.
The recent agreement for the procurement of 26 Rafale-M aircraft from France will enhance the Navy’s fleet, with these jets capable of operating from both carriers. On October 3, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said the air force is counting on the timely induction of the new Rafales, LCA Mk-1A and additional Sukhoi-30MKIs to shore up its fighter fleet and keep its combat squadron numbers from falling below 30, compared to a sanctioned 42.5.
Earlier reporting noted: Twelve Rafales are expected to be built annually in India under the government-to-government deal. Earlier reporting noted: Discussions have been held with France regarding the localisation of the Rafales to be manufactured in India, the integration of local weapons and other India-specific requirements.
