Why Rafale INS Vikrant Landing Matters: How French Fighter Will Boost Indian Navy's Carrier Capability

A Rafale Marine fighter jet successfully landed on India’s indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant on October 29, marking a key milestone in the Indian Navy’s quest to commission French-made aircraft for shipboard operations.

The landing, achieved in the aircraft’s first attempt, took place during ongoing trials aboard INS Vikrant.

The Indian Navy said the development is the first step towards commissioning the Rafale Marine (Rafale-M) fleet.

The Navy also released a video of the landing, which was conducted under the command of Captain Ashok Rao, Commanding Officer of INS Vikrant.

The development is significant as India aims to induct 26 Rafale-M fighters under a defense deal signed with France in April 2025.

The aircraft are intended to operate from India’s aircraft carriers INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya, enhancing the Navy’s ability to conduct air defense, naval strikes and reconnaissance missions.

The successful landing demonstrates an important step in testing the Rafale-M’s compatibility with India’s indigenous aircraft carrier.

Unlike conventional ground-based fighters, carrier-based aircraft must be designed and tested to operate from the limited space of an aircraft carrier deck. When operating at sea, it must withstand the demanding conditions of take-off and landing.

The ongoing trials are focused on testing the modifications and operational requirements needed to operate the aircraft from INS Vikrant.

The development also moves the Indian Navy closer to integrating a modern multi-role fighter into its carrier aviation capabilities.

Once operational, the Rafale-M will provide the Navy with an additional platform to protect carrier groups and conduct operations in the maritime domain.

What is Rafale-M and why is India buying it?

Rafale-Marine is the naval variant of the Rafale fighter aircraft, manufactured by the French aviation company Dassault Aviation.

Designed for aircraft carrier operations, it is currently operated by the French Navy.

Read also | Shares in Rafale brand owner Dassault Aviation fell 7% after the ceasefire between India and Pakistan.

India signed an intergovernmental agreement with France on 28 April 2025 for the procurement of 26 Rafale-M fighter jets for the Indian Navy worth approximately ₹63,000 million crowns.

The package contains 22 single-seat fighter aircraft and four two-seat training variants.

It also includes pilot training, flight simulators, weapons, essential equipment and long-term maintenance support.

The agreement further provides for the transfer of technology to facilitate the integration of indigenous weapons into the aircraft in line with India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, according to the PIB report.

How Rafale-M will strengthen India’s naval capabilities?

The Rafale-M is expected to enhance the Navy’s carrier-based combat capabilities in several operational areas.

Its primary roles will include air defense, naval attack, reconnaissance and strikes against land targets.

As part of air defense, the aircraft will help protect Indian aircraft carriers and their accompanying naval units against aerial threats. Its multi-role capabilities will also enable the Navy to conduct maritime strike missions against enemy naval assets and conduct surveillance of strategically important sea areas.

India’s deal with France involves the procurement of 26 Rafale-M aircraft, with deliveries expected by late 2028 or early 2029, according to the delivery schedule as per the PIB release.

The Indian Navy currently operates two aircraft carriers: INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya.

INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenously designed and built aircraft carrier, marks a major milestone in the country’s efforts to strengthen its domestic warship manufacturing capabilities.

The induction of Rafale-M fighters will provide the Navy with a modern multi-role combat aircraft for deployment from both carriers.