Rafale M Conducts Maiden Trials onboard Indian Aircraft Carrier INS Vikrant

A French Rafale M completed its first landing aboard India's aircraft carrier INS Vikrant on October 29, beginning shipboard integration trials ahead of Indian deliveries. The activity followed shore-based testing in Goa and supports the April 2025 agreement for 26 Dassault fighters, comprising 22 carrier-capable Rafale M aircraft and four land-based twin-seat Rafale DH trainers. Deliveries under the $7.5 billion procurement are scheduled to start in 2029. Integration work includes accommodating the fighter's non-folding wings on Vikrant's aircraft elevators, with detachable wingtip missile rails and shipboard modifications being examined.