📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / iMahesh
Defence
Indian Navy conducts Rafale Marine trials in Goa for aircraft carrier INS Vikrant
✍️ The Economic Times
🗓 22 Oct 2026, 02:23 AM
👁 20
The Indian Navy has begun sea‑trial testing of the Rafale Marine variant from Goa, aimed at equipping the indigenous carrier INS Vikrant.
The Indian Navy started sea‑trial operations of the Rafale Marine, a carrier‑based version of the French‑made fighter, off the coast of Goa. The trials are being conducted to assess the aircraft's performance and compatibility with the deck and systems of the indigenously built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.
Rafale Marine is equipped with reinforced landing gear, an arrestor hook and other modifications required for carrier operations. The navy plans to certify the aircraft after a series of flight, take‑off and arrested‑landing tests, which are expected to run over the coming weeks.
Successful certification will mark a significant step in India's effort to field a fully indigenous carrier strike group, enhancing maritime strike capability and reducing reliance on older platforms. Defence officials have indicated that once cleared, the Rafale Marine will join the carrier's air wing alongside existing aircraft, strengthening the navy's power projection in the Indian Ocean region.
The trials also serve as a benchmark for future integration of other carrier‑capable aircraft, as the navy looks to expand its operational envelope and sustain a modern, versatile fleet.
Rafale Marine is equipped with reinforced landing gear, an arrestor hook and other modifications required for carrier operations. The navy plans to certify the aircraft after a series of flight, take‑off and arrested‑landing tests, which are expected to run over the coming weeks.
Successful certification will mark a significant step in India's effort to field a fully indigenous carrier strike group, enhancing maritime strike capability and reducing reliance on older platforms. Defence officials have indicated that once cleared, the Rafale Marine will join the carrier's air wing alongside existing aircraft, strengthening the navy's power projection in the Indian Ocean region.
The trials also serve as a benchmark for future integration of other carrier‑capable aircraft, as the navy looks to expand its operational envelope and sustain a modern, versatile fleet.