Rafale M lands on INS Vikrant for the first time: Why this is a big moment for the Indian Navy

A French Rafale Marine fighter jet has successfully landed on India’s indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant for the first time. The landing took place on October 29, 2026, and the aircraft reportedly completed the attempt successfully on its first try. The development comes as the Indian Navy prepares to introduce the naval version of the Rafale fighter jet into its fleet.

The landing is an important step in India’s ₹63,000 crore agreement with France to purchase 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets. These aircraft will eventually operate from India’s aircraft carriers, giving the Navy another option alongside its existing MiG-29K fighters. The latest trial helps establish whether the French aircraft can safely operate from the deck of INS Vikrant, where space is limited and landing conditions are very different from those at a conventional airbase.

#Rafale successfully lands on #INSVikrant https://t.co/JjmLm6mwEJ

— Kartikeya Sharma (@kartikeya_1975) October 30, 2026

Why did Rafale M land on INS Vikrant?

The landing forms part of the trials to prepare the Rafale Marine for Indian aircraft carrier operations.

Unlike an ordinary runway, an aircraft carrier has a much shorter landing area. Fighter jets use a hook underneath the aircraft to catch a cable stretched across the deck, bringing them to a rapid stop.

INS Vikrant uses a system called Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery, or STOBAR. Aircraft take off using a ski-jump ramp and land using arresting wires.

The Rafale M was originally developed for operations from French aircraft carriers, which use catapults for take-offs. Testing its compatibility with India’s carrier system is therefore necessary.

Earlier trials at the Navy’s shore-based test facility in Goa examined the aircraft’s ability to operate with a ski-jump arrangement.

What is Rafale Marine and how is it different from the IAF’s Rafale?

The Rafale Marine, commonly called Rafale M, is the naval version of the French fighter jet manufactured by Dassault Aviation.

It has a strengthened structure and landing gear designed to handle the stresses of carrier operations. The aircraft can perform air defence, maritime strikes, reconnaissance and attacks against targets on land.

India signed an agreement with France on April 28, 2025, for 26 aircraft, including 22 single-seat fighters and four twin-seat trainers.

The contract covers weapons, training, simulators and maintenance support. Deliveries are scheduled to be completed by 2030.

What is INS Vikrant and why is it important?

INS Vikrant is India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier. Commissioned in September 2022, the roughly 45,000-tonne warship was constructed at Cochin Shipyard in Kerala.

It serves as a floating airbase, allowing the Indian Navy to deploy fighter jets and helicopters far from the country’s coastline.

The carrier currently operates MiG-29K fighter jets. The arrival of Rafale Marine aircraft is expected to expand the Navy’s air combat capabilities and support operations across the Indian Ocean.

What happens after the successful landing?

The successful landing marks progress in testing the aircraft’s compatibility with INS Vikrant. Further trials, training and technical preparations will be needed before regular operational deployment.

India plans to operate Rafale Marine aircraft from both INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya.