INS Vikrant (R 11), an aircraft carrier in the Indian Navy, is prepared to set sail. Jet aircraft decision, however, has not yet been made public. Local media said that the Indian Navy is now a step closer to receiving Rafale M omnirole jets.
For the Indian Navy, the process of choosing naval aircraft is still under progress. Candidates for the INS Vikrant (R 11) carrier vessel include the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and the Rafale M. Local media reports that officials are thinking towards purchasing Rafale M platforms. Additionally, according to French media, French President Emmanuel Macron would sign 26 Rafale M during his trip to India. The Indian side is addressing formal matters.
The STOBAR (Standard Take-off But Arrested Landing) configuration is used by the Indian aircraft carrier. Due to the lack of a catapult system, jet fighters must launch from a ski-jump on the ship’s bow portion. As CATOBAR (Catapult Assisted Take-off but Arrested Landing) aircraft, both candidates fit this description. Therefore, the standards must be somewhat different from those for ships with catapults. India’s air force already uses Rafale aircraft. Due to logistical, infrastructural, maintenance, and other budgetary considerations, the Rafale M may be viewed as being slightly more comparable to the Indian Navy than the Super Hornets.
