Rafale jet’s first landing on INS Vikrant successful:Officials accomplish task in one attempt, Trials underway for induction to Navy

The Rafale Marine fighter jet successfully landed on INS Vikrant on its first attempt on 29 October. INS Vikrant is the Indian Navy’s indigenous aircraft carrier. The landing is being seen as an initial step towards inducting the aircraft into naval service. The landing was carried out by a French pilot because it is part of the first flight campaign — that is, compatibility testing of the French jet on an Indian carrier. According to the Indian Navy, trials of the Rafale Marine are continuing after its successful landing on INS Vikrant. These trials will begin the process of making the Rafale Marine operational in the Indian Navy. The second flight campaign will take place at the beginning of 2027, after which Indian pilots will undergo training in France. MiG-29Ks are currently being operated from Vikrant; with the arrival of the Rafale-M after 2028, the Navy’s strike power will increase severalfold. 3 pictures related to the Rafale-M landing… Why is the Rafale-M trial important? Design difference: The Rafale-M was originally designed for France’s Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, which uses CATOBAR (catapult-assisted take-off). The INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya, however, use STOBAR (ski-jump ramp-assisted take-off). The testing was being conducted to determine whether the Rafale-M could take off from an Indian ramp and be stopped by an arrestor wire. Preparation in Goa: Trials had been under way earlier this week at the Shore-Based Test Facility (SBTF) at INS Hansa in Goa. A ski-jump ramp similar to the one on the Vikrant has been built there. Deal for 26 Rafale-M jets: India signed a deal with France for 26 Rafale-M jets on 28 April 2025 for approximately ₹63,000 crore ($7.5 billion). The deal includes 22 single-seat fighter jets and four twin-seat trainer aircraft. Deliveries will begin by the end of 2028 or the beginning of 2029.