The carrier’s deck, fitted with a 5.5‑metre ski‑jump and 9‑metre arrestor wires, was primed for the test; a French pilot from the Dassault‑Systèmes training squad executed the touchdown with a 12‑second approach, confirming the jet’s compatibility with Vikrant’s arresting gear.
The Rs 63,000‑crore contract signed with France on 28 April 2025 brings 26 jets, including 22 single‑seat fighters and four twin‑seat trainers, making India the first overseas operator of the naval Rafale.
Beyond air‑defence, the Rafale Marine will strike maritime targets and conduct reconnaissance, a stop‑gap while the Navy refines its own twin‑engine deck‑based fighter.
The deal includes technology transfer for integrating indigenous armaments and a domestic MRO hub, a nod to the self‑reliance push.
Trials in Goa are underway to fine‑tune the aircraft’s avionics to Vikrant’s systems; delivery of the jets is slated for late 2028 or early 2029.
With the first landing validated, the Navy will soon roll out the Rafale Marine from Vikrant, before extending operations to INS Vikramaditya as part of its carrier‑based force expansion.