📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Government of India
Defence
First Rafale Marine Jet Touches Down on INS Vikrant – Milestone for Indian Navy
✍️ NDTV
🗓 30 Oct 2026, 07:35 PM
👁 2
A video released by the Indian Navy shows a Rafale Marine jet making its inaugural landing on the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, marking a significant step in the navy's carrier aviation capabilities.
On a recent day, the Indian Navy released a video showing a Rafale Marine jet making its first landing on the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. The jet touched down smoothly on the flight deck, marking the inaugural carrier-based operation of the aircraft.
The successful landing demonstrates the navy's growing capability to operate advanced fighter jets from its carriers. It also signals a step forward in the Indian Navy's plans to enhance its air power projection in the Indian Ocean region.
Alongside this milestone, officials confirmed that a contract has been signed for 26 Rafale Marine jets. The aircraft are expected to be delivered by the end of 2028 or early 2029, further strengthening the carrier aviation fleet.
The event is expected to boost confidence in the navy's carrier aviation program and pave the way for future operational deployments of Rafale jets from INS Vikrant.
The successful landing demonstrates the navy's growing capability to operate advanced fighter jets from its carriers. It also signals a step forward in the Indian Navy's plans to enhance its air power projection in the Indian Ocean region.
Alongside this milestone, officials confirmed that a contract has been signed for 26 Rafale Marine jets. The aircraft are expected to be delivered by the end of 2028 or early 2029, further strengthening the carrier aviation fleet.
The event is expected to boost confidence in the navy's carrier aviation program and pave the way for future operational deployments of Rafale jets from INS Vikrant.