Rafale Marine aircraft successfully lands on INS Vikrant during maiden trials
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Defence technology· Prelims + Mains·
Defence procurement and carrier aviation: a GS3 case study on maritime security and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Why in news
The Indian Navy successfully conducted the maiden landing of a Rafale Marine aircraft on the indigenous carrier INS Vikrant during trials to operationalize the jets.
Background
India signed an agreement with France on April 28, 2025, to procure 26 Rafale-Marine jets for approximately Rs 63,000 crore. The deal includes 22 single-seat and 4 twin-seat jets from Dassault Aviation, with delivery expected by late 2028 or early 2029.
Facts for Prelims
- S&TRafale-Marine (Rafale-M) is a fighter jet specifically designed to operate from aircraft carriers at sea.
- FactIndia's procurement deal includes 22 single-seat and 4 twin-seat Rafale-Marine jets.
- BodyDassault Aviation is the French manufacturer of the Rafale-Marine aircraft.
- PlaceThe Indian Navy currently operates two aircraft carriers: INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya.
- FactThe procurement deal is valued at approximately Rs 63,000 crore.
Prelims practice question
Which French company is the manufacturer of the Rafale-Marine aircraft?
- (a)Airbus
- (b)Dassault Aviation
- (c)Boeing
- (d)Lockheed Martin
Show answer
Answer: (b) Dassault Aviation — Dassault Aviation is the French manufacturer of the Rafale-Marine aircraft mentioned in the procurement deal.
For Mains
Q. Discuss how the procurement of advanced carrier-based aircraft and the 'Transfer of Technology' (ToT) framework contribute to India's maritime security and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' goals.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Strategic autonomy: Enhancing maritime strike and air defence capabilities through indigenous carrier integration.
- Indigenization: Leveraging ToT for integrating domestic weapons systems into French-manufactured platforms.
- Operational synergy: Balancing high-capital procurement with long-term maintenance and pilot training infrastructure.
Keywords: Aatmanirbhar Bharat · Maritime Strike · Transfer of Technology · Carrier Aviation · Defence Procurement
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