The Indian Navy is conducting important trials of the French-made Rafale Marine fighter jet in Goa as part of preparations to operate the aircraft from India’s indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant. Reports circulating on October 29 claimed that a Rafale Marine jet had completed its first landing on INS Vikrant. However, an actual carrier landing has not been independently confirmed in the available reports.
The trials are being conducted at the Shore-Based Test Facility at INS Hansa in Goa. The facility recreates the ski-jump arrangement used by Indian aircraft carriers and allows the Navy to test the aircraft’s compatibility with their take-off and landing systems.
The testing is important because INS Vikrant uses a Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) system. Under this system, aircraft take off using a ski-jump ramp and land with the help of arresting wires. The Rafale Marine was originally designed for operations from France’s aircraft carrier, which uses a different launch system.
India signed an agreement with France in April 2025 to procure 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets at a cost of around ₹63,000 crore. The order includes 22 single-seat fighters and four twin-seat trainer aircraft. Deliveries are expected to begin by late 2028 or early 2029.
Once inducted, the aircraft will operate from INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya alongside the Navy’s existing MiG-29K fighters. The jets are expected to strengthen India’s naval air defence, maritime strike and reconnaissance capabilities.
The ongoing trials are an important part of preparing the Rafale Marine fleet for future carrier operations. Successful testing will help the Navy complete the required technical checks before the aircraft enter service.
