Daijiworld Media Network - Goa
Goa, Oct 22: Trials of the Rafale-Marine (Rafale-M) fighter aircraft are being conducted aboard the Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier INS Vikrant in Goa to assess its take-off and landing capabilities from an aircraft carrier.
India has signed an agreement with France to procure 26 Rafale-M fighter aircraft for the Navy, comprising 22 single-seater combat aircraft and four twin-seater trainer aircraft.
Deliveries are expected to be completed by 2030, with the first aircraft anticipated by late 2028 or early 2029.
The induction of the Rafale-M is expected to strengthen INS Vikrant’s combat capabilities and enhance India’s maritime air power in the Indian Ocean region. The aircraft is manufactured by French company Dassault Aviation and is designed for carrier-based operations.
Powered by two M88 turbofan engines manufactured by Safran, the Rafale-M can reach speeds of approximately Mach 1.8. Its reinforced airframe, robust landing gear and specialised landing hook enable it to operate from aircraft carriers and land using arrestor wires.
India plans to operate the aircraft from INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya. Trials aboard Indian carriers are therefore an important step towards integrating the fighter into the Navy’s operational fleet.
The aircraft features the RBE2 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar developed by Thales, which helps detect and track aerial and surface targets. It is also equipped with the SPECTRA electronic warfare system, designed to identify threats and provide electronic countermeasures to improve survivability in hostile environments.
The Rafale family can carry advanced air-to-air weapons, including Meteor and MICA missiles, as well as long-range air-to-surface weapons such as SCALP missiles and a 30-mm cannon. Anti-ship weapons can also be employed in suitable configurations. The weapons included in India’s specific Rafale-M package will depend on the contract and operational certification.
The aircraft’s aerial refuelling capability allows it to remain airborne for extended periods and increases its operational range. Its advanced sensors, electronic warfare systems and network-centric capabilities are expected to support maritime air defence, operations against enemy vessels and long-range missions.
India and France signed the agreement, worth approximately Rs 63,000 crore, on April 28, 2025. The acquisition is aimed at strengthening the Indian Navy’s carrier-based combat capabilities.
The Rafale-M’s operational effectiveness will depend on successful integration with Indian aircraft carriers, the weapons made available under the agreement and coordination with other naval platforms.