India tests French Rafale M fighter on INS Vikrant aircraft carrier

A French Rafale M naval fighter jet has successfully landed on the deck of the Indian aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. This landing marks a significant milestone in India's plan to replace its aging Russian MiG-29K fleet with French technology.

The Indian Navy described the event as a first step toward the operational deployment of the new aircraft. The Rafale M jets, part of a 7.5 billion USD agreement signed in April 2025, will consist of 22 single-seat and 4 two-seat aircraft. Unlike French carriers that use catapults, India's INS Vikrant utilizes a ski-jump takeoff method, requiring specific testing to ensure compatibility with the Rafale M's performance requirements.

The transition away from Russian platforms follows long-standing reliability issues with the MiG-29K. Reports from the Comptroller and Auditor General of India highlighted severe engine failures and maintenance challenges, with serviceability rates for the Russian jets reportedly dropping as low as 16 to 38 percent in certain periods.