A Rafale Marine fighter jet made its maiden landing on the Indian Navy’s indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, on 29 October 2026. The jet also completed its first take-off from the carrier that day. The Indian Navy shared video of the landing on its official X account on 30 October.
Carrier integration trials
The landing formed part of trials to assess the French-origin aircraft’s compatibility with INS Vikrant’s Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) system. Earlier shore-based testing was also conducted in Goa. The trials are intended to support the aircraft’s integration into Indian Navy carrier operations.
India’s agreement with France covers 26 aircraft: 22 single-seat fighters and four twin-seat trainers. Deliveries are expected to begin in late 2028 or early 2029 and conclude by 2030 or 2031. Reported contract values differ: one figure is approximately ₹63,000 crore, while another is US$36 billion; these amounts are not equivalent.
Important Facts for Exams
- STOBAR launch-and-recovery method: STOBAR carriers launch aircraft under their own power from a ski-jump and recover them with deck arresting wires, unlike catapult-assisted CATOBAR carriers.
- Goa shore-based test facility: India’s Shore Based Test Facility at INS Hansa, Goa, reproduces a carrier ski-jump and arrested-landing deck for aviation trials before shipboard testing.
- Rafale M naval adaptations: Rafale M has reinforced landing gear, an arrestor hook and a launch-bar-equipped nose gear; these naval modifications distinguish it from land-based Rafales.
