India Lands Rafale Marine Fighter on INS Vikrant for First Time

A Rafale Marine fighter aircraft has successfully landed aboard India’s indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant for the first time, marking an initial step toward introducing the French-built jet into the Indian Navy’s carrier fleet.

The landing took place on October 29 and was completed on the aircraft’s maiden attempt, according to an Indian Navy announcement issued the following day.

The Navy released video of the operation and described the ongoing trials as an early stage in preparing the Rafale Marine for operational service.

The milestone follows India’s April 2025 agreement with France to acquire 26 Rafale Marine aircraft in a deal valued at approximately ₹63,000 crore.

Rafale Marine Completes First INS Vikrant Landing

The Indian Navy confirmed on October 30 that a Rafale Marine had successfully completed its first landing aboard INS Vikrant.

The operation was conducted on October 29 during ongoing aircraft integration trials.

According to the Navy, the fighter landed successfully on its maiden attempt.

The operation took place under the command of Captain Ashok Rao, NM, commanding officer of INS Vikrant.

The Navy subsequently released video footage documenting the landing.

“The ongoing trials mark the first steps towards operationalisation of the aircraft in the Indian Navy,” the service said.

The announcement did not establish that the aircraft had completed all requirements for operational deployment.

Trials Follow Testing at INS Hansa in Goa

Before the carrier landing, the Rafale Marine underwent shore-based testing at INS Hansa in Goa.

The facility includes a Shore-Based Test Facility designed to reproduce important elements of aircraft carrier flight operations.

Its infrastructure simulates ski-jump takeoffs and arrested landings.

These trials allow aircraft and flight crews to assess procedures before conducting operations aboard a moving carrier.

The successful landing aboard INS Vikrant represents a transition from land-based testing to operations on the ship itself.

Further testing will be required as the Indian Navy works toward operational integration.

INS Vikrant Uses Different Launch System From French Carriers

The Rafale Marine was developed for aircraft carriers using catapult-assisted takeoff and arrested recovery, commonly known as CATOBAR.

France’s Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier operates the type using this configuration.

INS Vikrant, however, employs a short-takeoff but arrested-recovery system, known as STOBAR.

Under this arrangement, aircraft launch using a ski-jump ramp rather than a catapult.

Returning aircraft are recovered using arresting wires.

The different operating systems require compatibility assessments before the Rafale Marine can be fully integrated into Indian carrier operations.

The ongoing trials are intended to evaluate those requirements.

Carrier Compatibility Extends Beyond Landing Operations

Integrating the Rafale Marine into INS Vikrant involves more than demonstrating a successful arrested landing.

The aircraft must also be compatible with the carrier’s launch procedures, deck arrangements and aircraft handling infrastructure.

One consideration is the relationship between the fighter’s dimensions and the carrier’s aircraft elevators.

The Indian Navy is assessing the aircraft’s suitability for the ship’s existing aviation facilities.

The Rafale Marine is also intended to operate from INS Vikramaditya, India’s other aircraft carrier.

Both vessels use STOBAR launch and recovery arrangements.

The October 29 landing establishes an initial shipboard milestone but does not confirm completion of the full compatibility programme.

India Ordered 26 Rafale Marine Fighters From France

India signed an agreement with France in April 2025 for the purchase of 26 Rafale Marine aircraft.

The contract was valued at approximately ₹63,000 crore.

The order comprises 22 single-seat fighters and four twin-seat training aircraft.

Deliveries are expected to begin around late 2028 or early 2029.

The acquisition is intended to strengthen India’s carrier-based combat aviation capabilities.

The Rafale Marine will join a naval aviation force currently operating MiG-29K fighters aboard INS Vikrant.

The Indian Navy plans to employ the new aircraft from both INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya.

Rafale-M Set to Join India’s Carrier Air Wing

INS Vikrant currently operates the Russian-designed MiG-29K as its principal carrier-based fighter.

The Rafale Marine acquisition will introduce a French-built aircraft into India’s carrier aviation inventory.

The transition will require aircraft integration, pilot training, maintenance preparations and shipboard operating procedures.

The successful first landing provides an early demonstration of the Rafale Marine’s ability to conduct arrested recovery aboard INS Vikrant.

However, the Navy has not announced that the aircraft is ready for routine operational deployment.

The trials remain part of a broader process leading toward service entry.

Landing Marks Step in India-France Defence Cooperation

The Rafale Marine programme forms part of the defence relationship between India and France.

The April 2025 agreement established the procurement framework for India’s future naval Rafale fleet.

The October 29 landing represents progress toward operating the aircraft aboard Indian carriers.

It also provides a practical test of adapting a fighter designed for catapult-equipped carriers to India’s ski-jump configuration.

The Indian Navy has characterized the operation as an initial step toward operationalisation.

Further trials will determine when the Rafale Marine can be integrated into regular carrier operations.