Tech Desk: In a pivotal moment for Indian naval aviation, the French-origin Rafale Marine fighter jet has successfully completed its inaugural take-off and landing trials on India’s indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant. This significant achievement, confirmed by defence officials, marks the initial phase of integrating and operationalizing these advanced combat aircraft for active duty within the Indian Navy, greatly enhancing its capabilities.

Prior to this deck-based milestone on October 29, 2026, extensive testing was conducted at the shore-based test facility (SBTF) in Goa. These preliminary land-based evaluations were crucial to replicate the ski-jump ramp and arrestor-wire conditions of Indian aircraft carriers, ensuring the Rafale-M required minimal modifications for seamless carrier compatibility.

India officially procured 26 Rafale-M fighters from Dassault Aviation under a ₹63,000-crore agreement signed last year, with deliveries anticipated to commence by late 2028 or early 2029. The integration of the Rafale-M will equip the Navy with advanced strike capabilities, including Meteor, MICA, and Exocet anti-ship missiles, significantly bolstering the INS Vikrant’s operational prowess. This development underscores India’s commitment to modernizing its defence forces and achieving greater self-reliance in military aviation.