Rafale Marine Makes First Landing on INS Vikrant

The Indian Navy said a Rafale Marine fighter landed on the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant on October 29, completing its first landing attempt as part of trials to assess the aircraft for carrier operations. The Navy described the landing as an initial step toward operationalising the aircraft in its fleet. The milestone does not mean the Rafale Marine has entered operational service; further trials and work to adapt the aircraft and carrier are still part of the process. Before the carrier landing, the Navy conducted shore-based trials at INS Hansa in Goa. The facility replicates key features of a carrier deck, including a ski jump and arresting wires, and was used to assess the aircraft’s compatibility with Vikrant’s launch and recovery arrangement. INS Vikrant uses a short take-off but arrested recovery system, in which aircraft launch from a ski jump and land using arresting wires. India signed an agreement with France in April 2025 to procure 26 naval Rafale aircraft for about ₹63,000 crore. The package comprises 22 single-seat fighters and four two-seat trainers, along with weapons, simulators, training and logistics support. The agreement also includes technology transfer...