Rafale Marine Successfully Lands on INS Vikrant During Maiden Attempt

New Delhi, October 31: The Indian Navy has successfully conducted the maiden landing of a Rafale Marine fighter aircraft on its indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant during ongoing trials off the coast of Goa. The aircraft completed the landing on its first attempt on October 29, marking an important step towards integrating the French-origin fighter into the Navy's carrier-based operations.

 

 

The Navy shared a video of the successful landing on its official X handle on Friday, October 30. In its post, the force stated that the ongoing trials mark the first steps towards the operationalisation of the aircraft in the Indian Navy.

 

The trials are being conducted to validate the modifications and operational requirements needed to operate the Rafale Marine, also known as Rafale M, from INS Vikrant.

 

 

The successful landing is an important step towards operating Rafale Marine fighter jets from INS Vikrant. The aircraft was originally designed for CATOBAR (Catapult Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) aircraft carriers, while INS Vikrant uses the STOBAR (Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) system.

 

Under the STOBAR system, fighter jets take off using a ski-jump ramp and land on the carrier with the help of arrestor wires that bring the aircraft to a stop.

 

Since the two systems operate differently, the Navy needs to conduct detailed trials to ensure that the Rafale M can safely take off, land and operate from INS Vikrant. These trials will help test the aircraft's compatibility with the carrier's launch and landing systems.

 

 

 

The successful maiden landing marks a key step towards making the Rafale Marine operational from India's indigenous aircraft carrier.

 

India has signed a contract to procure 26 Rafale Marine fighter aircraft for the Indian Navy. Deliveries are expected to begin by the end of 2028 or early 2029. The aircraft will strengthen the Navy's carrier-based aviation capabilities and support a range of maritime security operations.

 

 

The Rafale Marine is a carrier-based, twin-engine multirole fighter developed by French aerospace manufacturer Dassault Aviation for the French Navy. It is designed to undertake multiple missions, including air defence, reconnaissance, deep-strike operations and anti-ship warfare.

 

The aircraft is powered by two Safran M88 engines and can achieve a maximum speed of approximately Mach 1.8, or around 2,200 kmph. It is equipped with an arrestor hook for aircraft carrier landings, along with advanced radar and electronic warfare systems.

 

Its weapons package includes Meteor and MICA air-to-air missiles, SCALP cruise missiles and AM39 Exocet anti-ship missiles.