NEW DELHI, India, October 21 (ANI) — The Indian Navy is conducting trials of the Rafale Marine fighter aircraft in Goa to test modifications required for operations from the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, defense officials said Wednesday.
The Indian Navy has signed a contract for 26 Rafale Marine aircraft, which are scheduled for delivery by the end of 2028 or early 2029, according to officials.
The Rafale Marine (Rafale-M) is a fighter jet designed to operate from aircraft carriers. Manufactured by France’s Dassault Aviation, the aircraft is already in service with the French Navy.
On April 28, 2025, India signed a major defense agreement with France to procure 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets valued at approximately Rs. 63,000 crore. The deal includes 22 single-seat aircraft and four twin-seat aircraft. It marks India’s first acquisition of the naval variant of the Rafale and makes India the first international operator of this model.
The agreement also covers pilot training, flight simulators, weapons, essential equipment and long-term maintenance support. In addition, it includes supplementary equipment for Rafale jets already operated by the Indian Air Force.
In line with the government’s emphasis on Aatmanirbhar Bharat, or self-reliant India, the agreement includes technology transfer to enable the integration of indigenous weapons in India.
The Indian Navy currently operates two aircraft carriers, INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya. The procurement of 26 Rafale-M aircraft from France will strengthen the Navy’s fleet, with the jets capable of operating from both carriers.
The aircraft will be used for missions including air defense, maritime strikes, reconnaissance and attacks on targets ashore. They will also help the Navy engage enemy fighter jets, strengthen fleet air defense and maintain control over maritime areas while remaining outside the range of enemy weapons. (ANI)
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