Rafale Marine Lands on INS Vikrant for First Time, Indian Navy Releases Video of Successful Landing

A French-made Rafale Marine fighter jet successfully landed on India's indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant for the first time on October 29, marking a significant step towards its induction into the Indian Navy. The aircraft completed the landing on its maiden attempt during ongoing trials in Goa, with the Navy releasing a video of the operation on Friday, October 30.

The Indian Navy confirmed the development in a post on its official X account, stating that the successful landing marked the first steps towards operationalising the aircraft in the service. "A Rafale Marine aircraft successfully landed onboard Indian Navy's indigenous Aircraft Carrier #INSVikrant on its maiden attempt on 29 Oct 26," the Navy said. Indian Navy Carries out Trials of Rafale Marine in Goa for INS Vikrant,

The trials are aimed at validating the modifications and technical requirements needed to operate the French-origin fighter from India's aircraft carriers. The successful landing follows earlier evaluations at the Navy's Shore-Based Test Facility at INS Hansa in Goa.

INS Vikrant Rafale Landing

Rafale makes debut landing on the Indian Navy's INS Vikrant aircraft carrier. https://t.co/JJ7a2nVBEt

— Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) October 30, 2026

Why the Rafale Marine Landing on INS Vikrant Is Significant

The successful landing is particularly important because the Rafale Marine, also known as Rafale M, was originally designed to operate from France's aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, which uses a catapult-assisted take-off and arrested recovery (CATOBAR) system.

India's INS Vikrant, however, operates on a different configuration known as Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (STOBAR). Under this system, fighter jets take off using a ski-jump ramp and land by catching arresting wires installed on the carrier's flight deck.

Testing the aircraft under these conditions is essential to establish its compatibility with India's carrier operations. The Navy's ongoing trials are also examining technical adjustments and operational requirements to ensure the aircraft can be safely operated and maintained aboard Indian aircraft carriers. 114 Rafale Deal Likely to Be Completed by Year-end, French Company Has Agreed to Integrate Indian Weapons: Defence Secretary.

India-France Deal for 26 Rafale Marine Fighter Jets

India signed an agreement with France on April 28, 2025, to procure 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets for the Indian Navy at an estimated cost of ₹63,000 crore. The agreement includes 22 single-seat fighter aircraft and four twin-seat trainer variants. The package also covers weapons, simulators, training, equipment and logistical support.

Deliveries are expected to begin by the end of 2028 or early 2029, with the complete fleet scheduled to be delivered by 2030. The aircraft will primarily operate from INS Vikrant and are also intended for deployment aboard INS Vikramaditya.

Rafale Marine to Strengthen Indian Navy's Carrier-Based Combat Capability

Manufactured by French aerospace company Dassault Aviation, the Rafale M is a twin-engine, multirole fighter designed specifically for aircraft carrier operations. It can undertake several missions, including air defence, maritime strikes, reconnaissance and attacks against targets on land and at sea.

The aircraft is equipped with advanced radar and electronic warfare systems and can carry a range of air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons. The Indian Navy currently operates Russian-origin MiG-29K fighter jets from its aircraft carriers. The induction of Rafale Marine aircraft is expected to expand the Navy's carrier-based combat capabilities.

The successful landing on INS Vikrant marks an important milestone in the integration process. Further trials, technical evaluations and operational preparations will be required before the aircraft enters regular service.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 30, 2026 06:59 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).