A Rafale Marine fighter completed its first landing aboard the Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier INS Vikrant on 29 October, succeeding on its first attempt. The Navy announced the trial the following day, describing the ongoing work as an initial step towards operationalising the aircraft in its service. The landing began shipboard compatibility trials for the French naval fighter on India’s indigenous carrier.
Before the carrier trial, Rafale M compatibility work had been conducted at the Shore-Based Test Facility in Goa. The Navy’s announcement confirmed the landing but did not detail the trial’s technical scope. The aircraft also took off from INS Vikrant during the trials, according to subsequent reporting.
India contracted with France in April 2025 for 26 Rafale Marine aircraft: 22 single-seat fighters and four twin-seat trainers. The package includes training, simulators, weapons, associated equipment and performance-based logistics. The aircraft are intended for India’s carrier fleet, which currently operates MiG-29K/KUB fighters from INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya.
INS Vikrant uses a short take-off and arrested-recovery (STOBAR) arrangement, combining a ski-jump with arresting wires. The shipboard trials follow shore-based testing and are intended to progress integration of the Rafale M into Indian carrier operations. The successful landing does not mean the aircraft has entered operational service with the Indian Navy.