The Indian Navy completed the maiden landing of a Rafale Marine fighter jet aboard the indigenous carrier INS Vikrant during sea trials. The testing validates flight-deck modifications required to bridge the gap between the jet's CATOBAR origins and the ship's STOBAR configuration. Operating the twin-engine aircraft requires proven integration with the vessel's ski-jump launch ramp and arrestor-wire recovery system. Deliveries under the 26-jet procurement contract are slated to begin by late 2028 or early 2029.
Key points
The ongoing naval trials validate necessary carrier modifications to adapt a CATOBAR-desi…: The ongoing naval trials validate necessary carrier modifications to adapt a CATOBAR-designed aircraft for STOBAR ski-jump operations.
The fighter jet provides multirole capability through compatibility with specialized arma…: The fighter jet provides multirole capability through compatibility with specialized armaments including Meteor, MICA, SCALP, and AM39 Exocet missiles.
The successful maiden landing marks an initial foundational step toward operationalizing…: The successful maiden landing marks an initial foundational step toward operationalizing the French multirole aircraft for carrier-based naval missions.
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NEW DELHI: A Rafale Marine fighter jet successfully landed on
Indian Navy's indigenous aircraft carrier
INS Vikrant on its maiden attempt during ongoing trials in Goa, the force said.
The Navy shared a video of the landing on its official X handle on Friday, a day after the successful landing.
Also Read: Rafale Marine trials underway in Goa for INS Vikrant operations"A Rafale Marine aircraft successfully landed onboard Indian Navy's indigenous Aircraft Carrier #INSVikrant on its maiden attempt on 29 Oct 26. The ongoing trials mark the first steps towards operationalisation of the aircraft in the Indian Navy," the Navy said in its post, accompanying the video.
The ongoing trials are aimed at validating modifications required to operate the French-origin aircraft from the carrier. The Navy has signed a contract for 26 Rafale Marine jets, with deliveries expected by the end of 2028 or early 2029.
Why are the trials significant
The trials are significant as the Rafale Marine, also known as Rafale M, was originally designed to operate from CATOBAR (Catapult Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) aircraft carriers. INS…
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