Rafale M Conducts Carrier Landing and Takeoff Tests in India

A Dassault Aviation Rafale M reportedly conducted landing and takeoff tests aboard an Indian aircraft carrier. India is also reported to plan an acquisition of 26 Rafale M aircraft.

Key details

• The reported tests included carrier landings and takeoffs.
• The report gives the test date only as “29…”
• India operates two aircraft carriers and has expressed ambitions to obtain a third.

India is reported to plan to acquire 26 Rafale M aircraft.

Why it matters

Carrier testing assesses how a fighter operates from a ship at sea, including its ability to land on and launch from a short deck. The reported tests connect the Rafale M acquisition plan with India’s carrier aviation program.