Indian Navy is conducting trials of the Rafale Marine fighter aircraft in Goa for modifications needed for INS Vikrant. These trials will ensure the aircraft can operate with the carrier's ski-jump launch and recovery systems. The Indian Navy has placed an order for 26 Rafale Marine aircraft, set for delivery by the end of 2028. Rafale M aircraft serves various missions, enhancing the Navy's combat capabilities.
Indian Navy is conducting trials of the Rafale Marine fighter aircraft in Goa to validate the modifications required for operating the French-origin aircraft from India's indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, marking a key step towards strengthening the Navy's carrier-based combat capabilities.According to ANI, citing defence officials, the trials are focused on modifications needed to adapt the aircraft for operations from INS Vikrant. The Indian Navy has signed a contract for 26 Rafale Marine aircraft, with deliveries expected by the end of 2028 or early 2029.The trials are significant because INS Vikrant uses a Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) system, in which aircraft take off using a ski-jump ramp and land by engaging arrestor wires on the flight deck. The Rafale M was originally designed to operate from CATOBAR (Catapult Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) aircraft carriers, which use catapults to launch aircraft.Integrating the French-origin fighter with INS Vikrant therefore requires validation of its compatibility with the carrier's ski-jump launch configuration, recovery systems and other onboard infrastructure. The trials will help establish the aircraft's suitability for operations from India's indigenous carrier.
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