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India’s Navy Successfully Lands Rafale-Marine on INS Vikrant

By Drooid · Oct 30, 2026 · How we work

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Summary

India’s Navy landed a Rafale-Marine fighter on INS Vikrant on October 29, achieving first-attempt success.
The trial assessed modifications needed for carrier operations, officials said.
India signed a Rs 63,000 crore deal with France on April 28 2025 for 26 Rafale-Marine jets.
The deal includes 22 fighters, four trainers, weapons, simulators, support, with deliveries 2029-2031.
France will provide 18 fly-away jets while India will produce 12 each year.

History

In 1999 the French Navy first landed the Rafale-M on the nuclear carrier Charles de Gaulle, and the type became operational in June 2004 after years of carrier trials. Building on that experience, India signed a Rs 63,000-crore contract in April 2025 for 22 carrier-compatible Rafale-M fighters to equip its new carrier INS Vikrant to give it blue-water strike capability.

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In 1999 the French Navy first landed the Rafale-M on the nuclear carrier Charles de Gaulle, and the type became operational in June 2004 after years of carrier trials. Building on that experience, India signed a Rs 63,000-crore contract in April 2025 for 22 carrier-compatible Rafale-M fighters to equip its new carrier INS Vikrant to give it blue-water strike capability.

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