The fighter jet completed the landing on its first attempt. The successful trial is expected to pave the way for further evaluations related to the possible induction and operational use of Rafale-M aircraft by the Indian Navy.
The Rafale-M is a naval fighter aircraft operated by the French Navy and flown by French pilots. The latest landing demonstrated its ability to operate from INS Vikrant, India’s domestically built aircraft carrier.
The trials are part of the process to assess the aircraft for potential service with the Indian Navy. These evaluations will help establish its compatibility with the carrier and support the next stages of the induction process.
India has not yet received Rafale-M fighter aircraft. Therefore, the October 29 landing should be viewed as a successful trial rather than the start of operational deployment of the aircraft in the Indian Navy.
The development is significant for India’s naval aviation programme as the country evaluates carrier-based fighter capabilities for its indigenous aircraft carrier.
