The Indian Navy has begun trials of the Rafale-Marine fighter aircraft in Goa to assess the modifications needed for operations from India’s indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant. The trials are being conducted at a shore-based test facility that replicates key features of an aircraft carrier’s flight deck.
The trials will help validate the aircraft’s ability to take off using a ski-jump ramp and land on a carrier deck using arrestor wires. INS Vikrant uses a Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) system, making it important to confirm the aircraft’s compatibility with the carrier’s launch and recovery arrangements.
₹63,000 Crore Deal for 26 Fighter Jets
India signed an agreement with France in April 2025 to procure 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets from Dassault Aviation for approximately ₹63,000 crore. The order includes 22 single-seat aircraft and four twin-seat aircraft. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2028 and are expected to be completed by 2030.
The agreement also covers weapons, simulators, pilot training, spare equipment and long-term maintenance support. It includes technology transfer for integrating Indian-made weapons into the aircraft, supporting domestic defence capabilities.
Strengthening Carrier-Based Air Power
The Rafale-Marine, also known as the Rafale M, is designed for carrier-based operations and is already used by the French Navy. The aircraft can perform air defence, maritime strike, reconnaissance and ground-attack missions.
The Indian Navy plans to operate the jets from both INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya. Their induction will add a new fighter platform to the Navy’s carrier-based aviation fleet, which currently operates MiG-29K aircraft.
Technology Transfer and Domestic Manufacturing
The procurement agreement includes provisions for integrating indigenous weapons and establishing domestic industrial capabilities. These measures are intended to support Indian suppliers and strengthen the country’s defence aerospace ecosystem.
The ongoing trials in Goa represent an important step towards integrating the Rafale-Marine into Indian naval operations. Final operational deployment will depend on successful validation of the aircraft’s compatibility with the carriers and completion of the required induction process.
The Indian Navy has commenced trials of the French-made Rafale-Marine fighter jets in Goa to validate required modifications for operations aboard aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.
