IAF’s Rafale to exercise with France’ marine versions today

The French Navy’s Rafale-M jets will carry out an exercise with Rafale jets of the Indian Air Force (IAF) along the western coast of India on Thursday.

Both variants are made by French manufacturer Dassault and are similar in terms of engine and capabilities. But, the marine version, Rafale-M, has a different landing gear adapted to carry out landings on the deck of an aircraft carrier; while the IAF’s fleet uses a conventional runway. The French jets are on board the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier of the country’s Navy, Charles de Gaulle, which is in Goa till January 9.

India is also buying 26 Rafale-M jets. Before India approved the purchase, Dassault tested its take-off and landing abilities at the shore-based test facility (SBTF) in Goa, which mimics the take-off ramp of an aircraft carrier. Indian aircraft carriers are designed differently from their French counterparts.

Earlier, India had purchased 36 Rafale jets from France for the IAF.