New Delhi: In a significant milestone for India’s maritime aviation capabilities, a Rafale Marine fighter jet successfully completed its maiden landing on the country’s indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, on October 29. The successful touchdown, achieved on the very first attempt, marks a crucial step in the Indian Navy’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its carrier-based combat fleet.
The Indian Navy confirmed the development on the social media platform X, sharing a video of the landing and stating, “The ongoing trials mark the first steps towards operationalisation of the aircraft in the Indian Navy”.
The flight trials, which have been underway in Goa, are designed to rigorously assess the aircraft’s compatibility with the carrier and to validate any necessary modifications for seamless operations. While the Rafale Marine was originally designed to operate from Catapult Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (CATOBAR) aircraft carriers, it is currently undergoing tests to prove its efficiency using the Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) system employed by INS Vikrant. This system requires the jet to take off using a ski-jump and land by engaging arrestor wires on the flight deck.
This major operational development is intrinsically tied to India’s broader defence procurement strategy. India has signed a ₹63,000-crore contract with France for the acquisition of 26 Rafale Marine jets, which includes 22 single-seat fighters and four twin-seat trainers. The induction of these advanced fighters aims to significantly bolster India’s naval air power, enabling the Navy to better defend its maritime interests, intercept aerial threats, and execute precision strikes.
According to defence officials, deliveries of the Dassault Aviation-manufactured jets are expected to begin by late 2028 or early 2029. These aircraft are slated to initially operate from INS Vikrant and subsequently from the older carrier, INS Vikramaditya. To accommodate the dimensions of the new fighters, the Navy is currently undertaking structural modifications to INS Vikrant’s aircraft lifts and installing specialised systems on board.
The cutting-edge Rafale Marine fleet will eventually replace the Navy’s existing Russian-origin MiG-29K aircraft. They will serve as a critical strategic asset until India’s indigenous Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) becomes fully operational.