Rafale Marine Fighter Jet Completes Maiden Successful Landing on INS Vikrant, Boosting Indian Navy's Maritime Might

Why in the News?

The French **Rafale Marine** fighter aircraft successfully completed its maiden landing on India's first indigenous aircraft carrier, **INS Vikrant**, marking a significant milestone in naval aviation and maritime strike integration.

Key Features / Major Points:

- Historic Maiden Landing: The Rafale Marine successfully touched down on the deck of INS Vikrant in its very first attempt, showcasing exceptional precision and compatibility.

- Flight Trials in Goa: Rigorous flight trials are currently underway in Goa to optimize the aircraft's integration with INS Vikrant’s deck operations and ski-jump launch system.

- India-France Rafale Marine Defence Deal:

- India signed a high-profile defence pact with France worth approximately **₹63,000 crore**.

- Under the agreement, India will procure **26 Rafale Marine jets** (comprising 22 single-seat fighters and 4 twin-seat trainers).

- Deliveries of these advanced jets are scheduled to be completed by **2030**.

- The deal includes technology transfer for domestic maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities, alongside integration of indigenous Indian weaponry.

- Strategic Advantage: These carrier-borne fighters will significantly enhance air defense, strike capabilities, and overall combat readiness of the Indian Navy across the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Static GK Facts:

- INS Vikrant (IAC-1):

- India’s **first indigenous aircraft carrier**, built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) and commissioned in September 2022.

- Rafale Marine:

- Developed and manufactured by **Dassault Aviation (France)**.

- Indian Navy:

- Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS): Admiral Krishna Swaminathan.

- Navy Day: **December 4**.

One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):

Q: Which fighter jet recently completed its maiden successful landing on India's aircraft carrier INS Vikrant?

A: Rafale Marine (France)

Q: How many Rafale Marine jets is India procuring from France under the inter-governmental defence agreement?

A: 26 jets (22 single-seat and 4 twin-seat trainers)

Q: Which Indian shipyard constructed the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant?

A: Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL)

Q: Which aerospace company manufactures the Rafale fighter aircraft?

A: Dassault Aviation, France

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