Rafale Marine trials in Goa for INS Vikrant operations
· India · Times of India, WION, Zee News
Indian Navy is conducting trials of the Rafale Marine fighter aircraft in Goa to validate modifications required for operating from the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. The trials focus on adapting the French-origin Rafale M, originally designed for CATOBAR carriers, to INS Vikrant’s STOBAR system featuring a ski-jump ramp and arrestor-wire recovery. The Indian Navy has ordered 26 Rafale Marine aircraft, with deliveries scheduled by the end of 2028 or early 2029. The Rafale M is a twin-engine multirole fighter capable of Mach 1.8, designed for air defence, deep strikes, and anti-ship missions.
Why it matters
These trials are a critical milestone for the Indian Navy’s carrier-based combat capability, determining whether the Rafale M can successfully integrate with INS Vikrant’s unique launch and recovery systems. Successful validation will allow the Navy to deploy a modern, multirole fighter fleet from its indigenous carrier, enhancing maritime security and power projection in the Indian Ocean region.
Read the original report — Times of India
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