Rafale Marine jets on trial in Goa for INS Vikrant: What India’s Navy gets from 26-jet deal
Rafale M (Rafale Marine) jets on trial in Goa for INS Vikrant. (Image courtesy: Wikimedia)
New Delhi: India is closer to operating its Rafale M (Rafale Marine) fighter jets from aircraft carriers as trials were held in Goa to ascertain their compatibility to operate from INS Vikrant. The testing comes ahead of plans to induct 26 naval fighters ordered from France, with deliveries expected by the end of 2028 or early 2029.
The Rafale M is the carrier-borne model of the Rafale aircraft made by French aerospace firm Dassault Aviation. It was created in order to be deployed from an aircraft carrier, which means that there needs to be special equipment for taking off and landing from a ship.
According to media reports citing defence officials, the Indian Navy is currently conducting trials in Goa to assess the modifications required for operating the aircraft from INS Vikrant.
What is India getting under the Rafale-Marine deal?
The government of India entered into an agreement with France on April 28, 2025, for the purchase of 26 Rafale M jets that cost approximately ₹ 63,000 crore. It will consist of 22 single-seat jets and 4 double-seat jets. India will become the first country to operate the naval variant.
Beyond the aircraft themselves, the agreement covers pilot training, flight simulators, weapons, essential equipment and long-term maintenance support. It also includes additional equipment for Rafale fighters operated by the Indian Air Force.
A technology-transfer provision will enable the integration of indigenous weapons into the aircraft in India, in line with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The Indian Navy operates two aircraft carriers, INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya. The Rafale M fighters are intended to operate from both ships, extending the Navy’s options for deploying combat aircraft during maritime operations.
The main missions to be performed by them will be air defence, maritime strike, and reconnaissance. Air defence missions will help provide air defence for the ships from air attack. Maritime strikes will enable the navy to attack the enemy forces present in the water body.
The employment of these aircraft in aircraft carriers would also ensure that air power can be employed at sea without being only dependent on aircraft from land-based facilities. These tests at Goa are specifically aimed at getting the aircraft ready for this task before their delivery between late 2028 and early 2029.
