Rafale-M Arrives in India for Carrier Trials | Navy Eyes 2028–29 Induction |

India’s naval aviation programme has reached a key milestone, with the French-made Rafale-Marine fighter undergoing trials in India ahead of its planned induction into the Indian Navy.The trials are being conducted in Goa to assess the aircraft’s suitability for operations from Indian aircraft carriers, including INS Vikrant. The Shore-Based Test Facility at INS Hansa replicates the ski-jump configuration used by India’s carriers, helping the Navy evaluate the aircraft and the operational requirements for carrier deployment.India and France signed an agreement in April 2025 for the procurement of 26 Rafale-Marine aircraft. The package includes 22 single-seat fighters and four twin-seat trainers, along with training, simulators, weapons and maintenance support. Deliveries are expected to begin by the end of 2028 or early 2029.The Rafale-M is designed for carrier-based operations and is already used by the French Navy. Its planned induction is expected to strengthen the Indian Navy’s air-defence, maritime-strike and reconnaissance capabilities. The aircraft are intended to operate from India’s aircraft carriers, INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya.The ongoing trials will help assess the requirements for integrating the French fighter into India’s carrier operations.Watch for the latest updates on Rafale-Marine trials, the Navy’s carrier-fighter plans and the timeline for the aircraft’s induction. -News18...