Carrier-borne jet search start with Rafale M Demonstration

The selection process for new carrier borne fighter jets for the Indian Navy is underway with a demonstration by France’s Rafale M (Marine) scheduled this week in Goa but several challenges remain ahead, with stiff competition by the American side that is fielding the F 18 Super Hornet that holds out the promise of enhanced naval cooperation in the region.

The Rafale M, which operates from the French Charles de Gaulle carrier, will demonstrate its capability to take off from the shore based test facility at Goa that simulates the ski jump deck of Indian Aircraft Carriers.

The test presents challenges as the Rafale, as well its American competitor, have been designed for catapult assisted take off from carriers, against the ski jump technique that is used onboard Indian carrier INS Vikramaditya and the upcoming Vikrant which is undergoing sea trials.

The procurement process is being undertaken in a unique manner, with requests for demonstrations and technical information being placed on the American and French governmen. The plan is to go in for a government-to-government deal that would shorten the selection and negotiations process to acquire the jets that are urgently needed for Vikrant that is set to be made operational this year.