Overview
- The Indian Navy confirmed a Rafale Marine landed and took off from INS Vikrant on Thursday, October 29, 2026, and released a video of the successful deck trial.
- The sea deck event follows earlier shore-based tests at the Shore-Based Test Facility in Goa where French pilots and Indian crews assessed ski-jump takeoffs and arrested recoveries for STOBAR operations.
- Officials say the April 28, 2025 intergovernmental deal for 26 Rafale M jets includes 22 single-seat fighters and four twin-seat trainers plus weapons, simulators, training, technology transfer and local MRO and fuselage production plans.
- Trials are checking aircraft and ship modifications — including arrestor-gear compatibility, deck-handling clearances and hangar fit for the Rafale’s 10.9‑metre wingspan — before the first deliveries expected in late 2028 or early 2029.
- Once cleared, the Rafale M fleet will operate from INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya to expand carrier air defence and maritime strike reach, provide logistics commonality with IAF Rafales, and act as an interim capability while India develops a domestic deck fighter.