Indian Navy Conducted Carrier Trials for French Rafale-M Fighters, Targeting 2028–29 Induction

Key facts

• The Indian Navy is conducting trials of the French-made Rafale-Marine fighter in Goa to assess its suitability for Indian aircraft carriers.
• India and France signed an agreement in April 2025 for the procurement of 26 Rafale-Marine aircraft.
• The procurement package includes 22 single-seat fighters and four twin-seat trainers, along with training, simulators, weapons, and maintenance support.
• Deliveries of the Rafale-M are expected to begin by the end of 2028 or early 2029.
• The Rafale-M is intended to operate from India’s aircraft carriers, INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya.
• The Shore-Based Test Facility at INS Hansa replicates the ski-jump configuration used by Indian carriers.