Indian Naval Aviation

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 26 Jun 2023 20:04

Tanaji wrote:Rakeshji , what undersea sound surveillance system do we have?

No -ji for me please.

The previous two posts (before mine) should be able to answer your question.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 26 Jun 2023 20:05

https://twitter.com/RAFIndia_/status/16 ... 84165?s=20 ---> Two more MH-60R Helicopters joined the 'Romeos' at INS Garuda.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 26 Jun 2023 20:11

Rakesh wrote: https://twitter.com/SandeepUnnithan/sta ... 45952?s=20 ---> Triangle of US-supplied platforms, undersea sound surveillance will help the Indian Navy track Chinese submarines. @sarkarshanta reports: https://www.news9live.com/india/triangl ... es-2190944

https://twitter.com/TheLegateIN/status/ ... 71810?s=20 ---> Report: Indian Navy to complete kill chain against Chinese submarines in IOR with MQ-9B Sea Guardians.

The kill chain will comprise:
* P-8I MPA
* MH-60R ASW helicopter
* MQ-9B ASW UAV
* C-295 MRMR (Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance)
* ASW-SWC (Anti-Submarine Warfare-Shallow Water Craft)
* Project 28 Corvette
* SMART torpedo

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 27 Jun 2023 00:23

arshyam wrote:...

See the above post (about the kill chain)? And now please see this post of mine (from 2018)...

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=7664&start=40#p2293214

We had a robust (and you raised very good points) discussion back then.

Capitalizing on the strengths of phoren platforms/systems to maximize the utility of desi platforms/systems.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 06 Jul 2023 05:32

https://twitter.com/IN_HQTNP/status/167 ... 27360?s=20 ---> The ALH flight based at INS Parundu undertakes surveillance of the strategically located Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay region, thereby adding teeth to the tireless efforts towards Maritime Security by the Indian Navy.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 06 Jul 2023 23:17

Some movement on the MRCBF contest. See the video.

DPB (meeting tomorrow) ---> DAC ---> Announcement of chosen MRCBF (which is reportedly the Rafale M) ---> CCS

*DPB: Defence Procurement Board
*DAC: Defence Acquisition Council
*CCS: Cabinet Committee on Security

VIDEO: https://twitter.com/ETNOWlive/status/16 ... 85824?s=20 ---> India to induct 'naval' Rafales? Big DPB meeting on defence procurement tomorrow before PM Modi's France visit; Srinjoy Chowdhury is here with the details.

India looks at the Naval Rafale: Defence Procurement Board Meeting Tomorrow
https://www.timesnownews.com/india/purc ... -101540549
06 July 2023

Cybaru · Post by **Cybaru** » 07 Jul 2023 00:04

Has the C295 MRMR taken shape yet? Do we know what CG and IN want from the craft regarding systems?

Cybaru · Post by **Cybaru** » 07 Jul 2023 00:07

Rakesh wrote:Some movement on the MRCBF contest. See the video.

DPB (meeting tomorrow) ---> DAC ---> Announcement of chosen MRCBF (which is reportedly the Rafale M) ---> CCS

*DPB: Defence Procurement Board
*DAC: Defence Acquisition Council
*CCS: Cabinet Committee on Security

VIDEO: https://twitter.com/ETNOWlive/status/16 ... 85824?s=20 ---> India to induct 'naval' Rafales? Big DPB meeting on defence procurement tomorrow before PM Modi's France visit; Srinjoy Chowdhury is here with the details.

India looks at the Naval Rafale: Defence Procurement Board Meeting Tomorrow
https://www.timesnownews.com/india/purc ... -101540549
06 July 2023

I hope this happens, and they can use the Mig29K from the Andamans / Nicobar base forever! No need to pass it to IAF. IN needs fixed-wing craft too.

Aditya_V · Post by **Aditya_V** » 07 Jul 2023 18:06

And what will INS Vikramaditya be doing? Sure a few can be used in land based roles, but INS Vikramaditya + crashes post 2026-27, there may not be too many spare MiG-29Ks.

There is always a possibility INS Vikrant can use multiple aircraft if they want to, after refit.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 07 Jul 2023 18:27

The MiG-29K is due for retirement in the 2030s. INS Vikramaditya will retire in the same time, along with the MiG-29K fleet.

The IN will be back down to one aircraft carrier, till IAC-2 comes on board.

Cybaru · Post by **Cybaru** » 08 Jul 2023 00:52

Aditya_V wrote:And what will INS Vikramaditya be doing?

According to an unnamed admiral - Yoga day on deck!

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 10 Jul 2023 00:37

Cybaru wrote: ↑08 Jul 2023 00:52
Aditya_V wrote:And what will INS Vikramaditya be doing?
According to an unnamed admiral - Yoga day on deck!

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 10 Jul 2023 00:43

It looks like the forum software got upgraded at the right time. See the image below. #MaximumImpactMaximumOutcomes. I am reading reports that the joint venture being set up for the AMCA turbofan, will also be used aboard the TEDBF as well. But we will have to wait and see.

https://twitter.com/MridulB76822205/sta ... 96513?s=20 ---> Jet Engines for AMCA. Rafale M. Submarines.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 10 Jul 2023 00:47

Navy zeroes in on naval Rafale; jet deal likely during PM's France visit
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/ind ... 603082.cms
09 July 2023

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 10 Jul 2023 00:49

India all set to buy 26 Rafale Marine from France
https://defencewatch.in/india-all-set-t ... om-france/
08 July 2023

According to the, besides fleet commonality, the Indian Navy brass was impressed by the Rafale-M’s capabilities during a joint exercise and the operational demonstration test conducted in India. After the tests, the Navy informed the Ministry of Defence that Rafale-M was best suited for its needs.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 10 Jul 2023 01:04

Reasons (highlighted in red and blue) as to why the Rafale M triumphed over the F-18SH.

A joint training base/facility, one set of simulators, sharing of twin seaters for cockpit familiarization, naval and IAF instructors imparting training to rookie Rafale pilots, optimizing weaponry stocks, etc. These are just some of the advantages of having the same aircraft being operated by two services.

PM Modi in France: India likely to sign deal to procure Rafale Marine fighter jets during the visit
https://www.opindia.com/2023/07/india-f ... hter-jets/
09 July 2023

By the end of 2022, France had delivered all 36 Rafale fighter jets to India. The two Rafale fighter jet variants — Rafale and Rafale M — share more than 80% of their components. Reports suggest that this would contribute to commonality in repairs and maintenance for Rafale fighter jets with the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy. Furthermore, the Indian Air Force already operates 36 Rafale fighter jets from two bases in India. Rafale pilot training for the two services can also be common to an extent.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 10 Jul 2023 01:14

A very interesting take (highlighted in blue). This will likely mean MRFA will be over, as Dassault will require a minimum 100 aircraft order to setup a Rafale line in India. The part highlighted in red is intriguing, especially after Boeing was thrashing Dassault at every opportunity during the MRCBF contest.

Will India confirm an order for Rafale Marine during France’s National Day?
https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/indi ... stille-day
09 July 2023

However, the French financial newspaper La Tribune has dismissed these rumors, stating that no announcement is anticipated on Bastille Day unless an unforeseen last-minute surprise occurs. According to the weekly publication, the Rafale M order will instead be made in India, potentially on the sidelines of the G20 summit scheduled for September 9 and 10, 2023, in New Delhi.

According to undisclosed defense sources, the evaluation process concluded that the Rafale M exhibited a higher degree of compatibility with the operational requirements and criteria of the Indian Navy, surpassing its competitor.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 10 Jul 2023 01:30

I found the La Tribune article. I did not see in the article, where the Rafale M order is expected to be made in India.

Narendra Modi in France: no new orders for Rafale and submarines
https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-fi ... 68892.html
07 July 2023

Dassault Aviation is counting on a new Rafale order in India. “We are also awaiting announcements from our Indian friends. With India you have to be patient ,” Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier explained to the Senate at the end of May. In addition to the Rafale Marine, the French aircraft manufacturer hopes for a new Rafale order from the Indian Air Force (Indian Air Force or IAF).

Roop · Post by **Roop** » 10 Jul 2023 08:39

Rakesh wrote: ↑10 Jul 2023 01:30I did not see in the article, where the Rafale M order is expected to be made in India.

I think the article was badly worded. What they meant was that the announcement will be made in India, not that the Rafale will be made in India, i.e. the Rafale announcement won't be made in Paris this week, but in India in September.

That is how I interpret it.

Kersi · Post by **Kersi** » 10 Jul 2023 12:11

Aditya_V wrote: ↑07 Jul 2023 18:06And what will INS Vikramaditya be doing?

Maybe used in Republic Day Parade.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 10 Jul 2023 16:37

Roop wrote: ↑10 Jul 2023 08:39I think the article was badly worded. What they meant was that the announcement will be made in India, not that the Rafale will be made in India, i.e. the Rafale announcement won't be made in Paris this week, but in India in September.

That is how I interpret it.

That could very well be the case. A lot of media speculation going around. See the next post.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 10 Jul 2023 16:38

The latest news as of today...

I think I am seeing a future twin seater Naval LCA order

, assuming the news item below is true. If all Rafale Ms are to be single seaters, then the training route for naval fighter pilots will likely look like this: Hawk AJT ---> Naval LCA (which will include TO & landing on aircraft carrier) ---> Rafale M simulator ---> Rafale M.

Indian Navy to get 26 Rafale-M fighters and three attack submarines from France
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-ne ... 56665.html
10 July 2023

While the DAC will approve AON for acquisition of 26 Rafale-M aircraft for INS Vikrant, the price, terms and conditions will be negotiated after this through the government-to-government route with the French government getting the best price from Dassault Aviation. All the 26 fighters will be single-seater versions with Indian Navy pilots being trained in France as well as on advanced simulators in Goa.
....
It is understood that one squadron (18 fighters) will be onboard INS Vikrant and the remaining eight will be based in Goa as reserves for rotation.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 10 Jul 2023 17:49

Air HQ will be celebrating if the Rafale M is indeed the chosen MRCBF for the Indian Navy. This means more Rafales for the IAF.

The MRFA contract will either be shut down or morph into the next avatar i.e. 5th generation contest to be played out for the next 2+ decades.

Does India's purchase of Rafale Ms signal rift between France & NATO allies?
https://sputniknews.in/20230710/does-in ... 22255.html
10 July 2023

Against this backdrop, Singh, who serves as the vice-president of the New Delhi-based naval think-tank, Indian Maritime Foundation, stated that the competition was between Rafale M and the US' F-18 Hornet fighter jets. According to him, while Both warplanes passed the trials which were held in India, it was a question of the Navy deciding which is the better aircraft for its requirements.

Why Did India Choose Rafale Jet Over US' F-18?

The retired Indian Navy official explained that when one chooses an aircraft, it is not necessarily about which is the best fighter jet: there is, in fact, no such thing as the best aircraft or the second-best aircraft. On the contrary, it is about the aircraft which is best suited for the Indian Navy's requirements.

"We already have the Rafale with the Indian Air Force (IAF). So a lot of issues will get sorted out. It will be cheaper because the supply chain is already there, and the logistics and maintenance ecosystem is also there," Singh told Sputnik on Monday. He stressed that this way, the Navy will be able to share all these resources with the IAF, and vice-versa and it will be easier to maintain the aircraft. "If India had gone for a different aircraft altogether, the need to set up an entire chain of supply, including repair facilities would have come up," Singh, who spent 28 years as a specialist submariner noted.

He emphasized that the order was only for 26 aircraft which were not many and it was needed to meet the requirement till such time India's DRDO developed the Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF). The TEDBF is an under-development marine fighter jet for the Indian Navy which is expected to become the fulcrum of India's all future aircraft carriers. "Till the TEDBF is ready, the Indian Navy needed some aircraft because it can't function with two aircraft carriers with only a handful of MiG-29s," Singh pointed out.

"That's why, I think the Navy has taken a very considered decision after going through the pros and cons and examining what the aircraft they have chosen, which in this case is the Rafale M," he concluded.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 10 Jul 2023 18:06

First *OFFICIAL* confirmation (of sorts) that Rafale M has won the MRCBF contest.

https://twitter.com/livefist/status/167 ... 09920?s=20 ---> Indian MoD defence procurement board (DPB) clears procurement of 26 Rafale M fighters for the Indian Navy and 3 additional Scorpène submarines to be built at Mazagon Docks Ltd. Announcement possible during PM Modi’s Paris visit on July 13-14.

drnayar · Post by **drnayar** » 10 Jul 2023 18:51

I think the majority of us here in BRF never believed in the idea of F18s for IN . I definitely did not right from the very beginning., did not make political economic or military sense to diversify to a different ecosystem

AkshaySG · Post by **AkshaySG** » 10 Jul 2023 20:08

drnayar wrote: ↑10 Jul 2023 18:51 I think the majority of us here in BRF never believed in the idea of F18s for IN . I definitely did not right from the very beginning., did not make political economic or military sense to diversify to a different ecosystem

True but then again "sense" and the Indian military acquisition process have rarely gone hand in hand.

I'm now hoping that since these are essentially follow on contracts they go through the laboring ( AON->DAC-> Negotiations - > Contract) process a little faster than the usual 3-4 years... Especially for the Scorpenes as the line is idle for them

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 10 Jul 2023 20:27

Rather than watch videos of the Rafale M conducing landing and take-offs from INS Vikrant, the video that I really want to see is of the Rafale M successfully navigate the very "snug" lifts of INS Vikrant. Also would like to see a video of the Rafale M navigating the hangar entrance of INS Vikrant.

INS Vikrant's lift

Hangar entrance of INS Vikrant

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 10 Jul 2023 20:32

India All Set To Order 26 Naval Rafale Jets
https://www.livefistdefence.com/india-a ... fale-jets/
10 July 2023

Ministry of Defence clearance notwithstanding, it is unclear just when this deal for Rafale-M fighters will be signed. There are several more layers of clearance before a deal can be concluded, including the Defence Acquisition Council and the Cabinet Committee on Security. As with the 2016 deal for IAF Rafales, announced a year previous by the Indian PM in Paris, the current deal could follow a similar path. Reports indicate that the leaders of India and France could make an announcement to the effect as early as this week when Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Paris, followed by a year or more of negotiations before contract signature in mid-late 2024. At any rate, the atmosphere is conducive.

Aditya_V · Post by **Aditya_V** » 10 Jul 2023 21:44

Rafale or F-18, INS Vikrant will have a refit of lift doors and lift at port.

If new aircraft are ordered in 2024, they will start arriving from 2027 onwards.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 11 Jul 2023 19:08

Got lot more interesting info on the Rafale M deal. Will be posting them soon.

On a different note, the French Embassy in India released a video of Prime Minister Modi's visit to France for Bastille Day. A twitter user screen grabbed an interesting bit in the video. I am posting both that screen grab and the link to the video. The screen grab charts out the activities being planned on 14 July (14 Juillet) - between the two nations - being documented down on a white board at the French Embassy in New Delhi.

What a weird (but interesting) way to likely confirm Rafale M for the Indian Navy. But it could be something as simple as confirming IAF Rafales taking part in the air parade over Paris on 14 July 2023.

VIDEO: https://twitter.com/FranceinIndia/statu ... 35490?s=20 ---> D-5 to #ModiInParis! Preparing for such an important visit requires real teamwork. All hands are on deck at the French Embassy!

https://twitter.com/akki_bauer22_/statu ... 26529?s=20 ---> Rafale M confirmed

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 11 Jul 2023 21:03

Over 2 dozen Rafales for navy, submarines and aircraft engine top PM Modi’s list for France tour
https://theprint.in/defence/over-2-doze ... r/1662356/
10 July 2023

Sources in the defence and security establishment said if all goes well, New Delhi could announce its intention of buying the Rafale Marine, also known as Rafale-M for the Indian Navy. However, no contract will be signed because the deal will then go through a cycle of cost negotiations, like the time when Rafale was bought, and a final deal would be inked only after the next general elections slated for early next year.

The above route is the best option available to the Govt politically. The opposition will have nothing concrete to go on, because there is no signed deal.

As reported first by ThePrint in December last year, the Indian Navy has shortlisted the Rafale M for its aircraft carrier operations against the American F/A 18 Super Hornets. The naval headquarters had then sent a report to the defence ministry mentioning the “positives” only, and that Rafale-M met all criteria. Sources had then said that there was no mention of the Boeing aircraft.

If this is true, then it confirms that the Navy ran a MRCBF contest just so that they can get their hands on the Rafale M. They have been looking at this aircraft, well before the IAF got her first look at it.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 11 Jul 2023 21:07

VIDEO: https://twitter.com/IndiaToday/status/1 ... 07778?s=20 ---> What are the differences between Air Force Rafale and Navy Rafale?

India likely to purchase 26 Rafales M from France: How are they different from Rafales we already have?
https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/ ... -10-880382
11 July 2023

What features of Rafale M make it different from IAF's Rafale?
* It has a carrier-based microwave landing system
* It includes a built-in ladder for direct access to the cockpit from the deck of the carrier
* It features a reinforced undercarriage to counter the pressure of landing on a carrier deck
* It’s radar, the Thales RBE2-M, is maritime-optimised
* It has a wider range of weapons which also include anti-ship missiles
* It has foldable wings (incorrect reporting)
* Rafale M is a little heavier than its Air Force counterpart because of the modifications it carries
* The naval version has the ability to carry broader types of weapons, including anti-ship missiles and air-to-surface missiles.

According to sources, India is likely to negotiate the price concessions in the deal and would be insisting on the 'Make-in-India' plan. Industry sources said for the Rafale M deal, India and France are expected to form a joint team to negotiate the deal like it was done for the previous Rafale deal for 36 fighter aircraft.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 11 Jul 2023 21:10

VIDEO: https://twitter.com/IndiaToday/status/1 ... 04896?s=20 ---> "Modi has signalled here that no matter how loud the politics, how aggressive the allegations, and how sustained the political noise over an alleged defence scandal, the PM will place the needs of the defence forces above all else,"- @ShivAroor's take on Rafale jet deal.

VIDEO: https://twitter.com/IndiaToday/status/1 ... 51584?s=20 ---> Just days ahead of the big announcement of India's second Rafale deal, @ShivAroor tells you why the PM appears to have drawn a line in the sand.

VIDEO: A longer video on the Rafale deal + the Scorpene deal: https://www.facebook.com/IndiaToday/vid ... 192372762/

VIDEO: https://twitter.com/IndiaToday/status/1 ... 61121?s=20 ---> India clears second Rafale jet deal. India Today's @gauravcsawant speaks #exclusively with the captain of Charles De Gaulle, the French aircraft carrier.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 11 Jul 2023 21:38

VIDEO: https://twitter.com/IndiaToday/status/1 ... 99745?s=20 ---> "Rafale has a footprint on deck of just 10 meters as against the MIG-29 which consumes 13 meters of length for wingspan," says Vice Admiral Anup Singh (Retd.), former Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command.

---------------------------------------------------------

This is interesting. While we were all focusing on folded wingspan (or the lack thereof on the Rafale M), the Indian Navy was looking at the full wingspan (when navigating on the deck for take-off and landing). Listen to Vice Admiral Anup Singh (retd), former C-in-C of the Eastern Naval Command, has to say. I am not sure why he says 13 meters wingspan for the MiG-29K, when the specs are close to only 12 meters. He underestimates the wingspan of the Rafale M as well by nearly 1 meter. It might seem semantics to us, but on a cramped deck....every meter makes a difference. Specs below are from Wiki Chacha.

Take special note of also where the Vice Admiral mentions the marriage between the ski jump of INS Vikrant and the Rafale M and that it is just about right. Probably another reason why the F-18SH did not make the cut.

The other two gentlemen in the video - joining Shiv Aroor - are Vice Admiral Shekar Sinha (retd), former C-in-C Western Naval Command and Lieutenant General Sanjay Kulkarni (retd), former DG Infantry.

Code: Select all

MiG-29K
Wingspan: 11.99 m (39 feet 4 in)

Code: Select all

Rafale M
Wingspan: 10.90 m (35 feet 9 in)

Code: Select all

F-18SH
Wingspan: 13.62 m (44 feet 8.5 in)

Roop · Post by **Roop** » 12 Jul 2023 07:45

Rakesh wrote:But it could be something as simple as confirming IAF Rafales taking part in the air parade over Paris on 14 July 2023.

In fact, that's exactly what it is. If you read the French writing on the whiteboard, you see phrases like "partenariat strategique", "livrables", "contingent francais", "cotingent indien", "armee de terre", "armee de l'aire" etc. along with "Rafales" (strategic partnership, deliverables, Indian contingent, French contingent, ground army (i.e. Army) and Air Force).

Manish_P · Post by **Manish_P** » 12 Jul 2023 08:01

Rakesh wrote: ↑11 Jul 2023 21:38 ..
This is interesting. While we were all focusing on folded wingspan (or the lack thereof on the Rafale M), the Indian Navy was looking at the full wingspan (when navigating on the deck for take-off and landing). ..

Full wingspan on the deck for navigating takeoff/landing should surely not be an issue as there would be enough space around, even if some birds were parked there... the wingspan below deck (in storage) would be much more critical, with other equipment/machines/aircraft in the cramped space.

Prem Kumar · Post by **Prem Kumar** » 12 Jul 2023 11:54

Rakesh wrote: ↑11 Jul 2023 21:03
Sources in the defence and security establishment said if all goes well, New Delhi could announce its intention of buying the Rafale Marine, also known as Rafale-M for the Indian Navy. However, no contract will be signed because the deal will then go through a cycle of cost negotiations, like the time when Rafale was bought, and a final deal would be inked only after the next general elections slated for early next year.
The above route is the best option available to the Govt politically. The opposition will have nothing concrete to go on, because there is no signed deal.

Wont stop Rahul or others from crying "corruption". Since when did they need evidence to make allegations?

Given this situation + the fact that the 2019 Rafale allegations backfired on the turd-head + the fact that we are not showing favoritism to France (we bought from USA and Russia too), should allow Modi Ji the freedom to sign this deal

Hope the MoD doesn't try stunts like local manufacture of Rafale. Waste of time - the French are unlikely to agree unless we dangle the MRFA carrot - all of which will only delay everything. All the while, the Vikrant chugs along without aircrafts. Just buy them outright!

If our Services had shown some foresight, once Rafale was declared as the MMRCA winner, the MoD, IN & IAF could have come together, agreed on a 100 Rafale order (74 for IAF and 26 for the IN) and gone for a G2G deal to buy 2 squadrons outright + local manufacturing of the rest. This would have made the decade+ MMRCA tamasha worth the time! But we are not exactly known for such inter-agency coordination or forward thinking

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 12 Jul 2023 20:04

Manish_P wrote: ↑12 Jul 2023 08:01Full wingspan on the deck for navigating takeoff/landing should surely not be an issue as there would be enough space around, even if some birds were parked there... the wingspan below deck (in storage) would be much more critical, with other equipment/machines/aircraft in the cramped space.

Inside the hangar of INS Vikrant, you can park aircraft like samosas, due to the delta wing of the Rafale.

See the picture below of Rafale Ms inside the deck of the Charles De Gaulle.

Image Source: https://www.lepoint.fr/societe/sur-le-c ... 246_23.php

Below is an image of Charles De Gaulle embarking 30+ Rafale Ms + two E-2C Hawkeyes + one helicopter. More helicopters will be parked inside the hangar. This is no doubt for a photo op, but the capability does exist if required. Unlikely INS Vikrant will be able to pull this off. Only 18 MRCBF aircraft are expected to be on board INS Vikrant at any given time. The Charles De Gaulle (42,500 tons) is 2,500 tons smaller than INS Vikrant (45,000 tons).

Image Source: https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/20 ... de-gaulle/

Manish_P · Post by **Manish_P** » 12 Jul 2023 21:08

Rakesh wrote: ↑12 Jul 2023 20:04 ..
Inside the hangar of INS Vikrant, you can park aircraft like samosas, due to the delta wing of the Rafale.

See the picture below of Rafale Ms inside the deck of the Charles De Gaulle..

Yes sir. Have seen the pics. Also saw a documentary.

Hence my query about why the specific wording 'when navigating on the deck for take-off and landing'

Surely if the bird fits the lifts and in the hangars then it should have no problem on top viz the deck

Or is the person hinting that we will get the birds now even if they don't fit the lifts and simply store them up top...

Aditya_V · Post by **Aditya_V** » 12 Jul 2023 21:30

No way that will happen, Aircraft carriers will go through storms, plus maintenance, repairs fitting of weaponry all happen below deck.