The marine version of the Rafale fighter jet has been successfully flight-tested at a shore-based facility in Goa where conditions similar to that on the indigenously-developed aircraft carrier INS Vikrant were simulated, a top diplomat said.

The France made Rafale-M and US-made Super Hornet; both are being evaluated for a possible purchase by the Indian Navy for deployment on the 44,000-tonne INS Vikrant.

Their trails are still undergoing in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal for likely commissioning in August.

"Tests were done to check its (Rafale-Marine's) take-off (capability) from the deck of your (India's) carrier and it has done very well," French Ambassador to India Emmanuel Lenain said on Tuesday.

The Rafale-M jet was tested for 12 days last month at Goa's INS Hansa facility using a 283-metre mock ski-jump facility, Lenain said.

Boeing's Super Hornet or F/A-18 jet, which is also being offered to India, is expected to undergo similar tests at INS Hansa next month.

The Navy was looking for an aircraft that is capable of delivering nuclear loads, air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, and precision-guided bombs, according to the sources.

Image credit: Telangana today