Over the past few years, Chinese state media and defence observers have pointed to multiple next-gen fighter jet concepts being explored by Beijing. While there are no specific details available about the sixth-generation fighter jet programme of China, there have been several leaks and concept visuals that suggest that Beijing is actively working on features such as optionally manned fighters, AI integration, and drone teaming.
While India's fifth-generation fighter jet programme, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) model, has been progressing steadily and even as the defence establishment is rumoured to be exploring options for procuring a fifth-gen platform as a stopgap measure, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh has come out with the progress the country has been making in exploring the sixth-generation programme.
Speaking at the ANI national security Summit, the defence secretary said that given the nature of the investment for the fighter jet, it will have to be a partnership.
"We have made overtures to both of these two ongoing free country partnerships that are there. Let us see what the response is. We've made it clear to both of them that we are interested and we could consider partnering with them for a sixth-generation fighter programme."
He was referring to the Future Combat Air System (FCAS)—European sixth-generation air combat programme led by France, Germany, and Spain—and Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP)—the joint project between the UK, Japan, and Italy.
In a report tabled in Parliament recently, the cabinet committee said it has been informed that two consortia are working on sixth-generation aircraft. "One is a consortium of the UK, Italy, and Japan, and the other is a consortium of France and Germany, and both are developing aircraft. The Committee has also been informed that the Air Force will try to join forces with one of the consortia and begin considering a sixth-generation fighter right away, with a view to ensure that they do not lag behind in achieving the target for advanced aircraft."
