A Dassault Rafale M fighter from the French Navy landed aboard India's domestically built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant for the first time on October 29, 2026. The Indian Navy said the arrested landing was completed successfully on the first attempt, followed by a takeoff from the carrier.

The flight was part of ongoing carrier trials to integrate the naval variant of the Rafale with the Indian Navy's fleet. India is evaluating the Rafale M for operations from INS Vikrant as it prepares to induct the aircraft into service.

The milestone advances a program to equip India's aircraft carriers with a modern naval fighter. Attention now turns to deck procedures, launch limits and the logistics needed to sustain continued operations from the carrier.

Source: The Aviationist