India is actively pursuing its sixth-generation fighter jet program by initiating efforts to join the French-led Future Combat Air System (FCAS) development. A parliamentary committee has recommended a clear roadmap and timeline for this acquisition, stressing the importance of staying technologically advanced in air combat. This move complements the ongoing development of India's indigenous fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), signaling a significant push to modernize the Indian Air Force's capabilities in an increasingly air-centric global security environment. The committee also highlighted the need for increased defense expenditure towards the Air Force to maintain combat readiness and national security.

India is actively pursuing its sixth-generation fighter jet program by initiating efforts to join the French-led Future Combat Air System (FCAS) development. A parliamentary committee has recommended a clear roadmap and timeline for this acquisition, stressing the importance of staying technologically advanced in air combat. This move complements the ongoing development of India's indigenous fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), signaling a significant push to modernize the Indian Air Force's capabilities in an increasingly air-centric global security environment. The committee also highlighted the need for increased defense expenditure towards the Air Force to maintain combat readiness and national security.

India is actively pursuing its sixth-generation fighter jet program by initiating efforts to join the French-led Future Combat Air System (FCAS) development. A parliamentary committee has recommended a clear roadmap and timeline for this acquisition, stressing the importance of staying technologically advanced in air combat. This move complements the ongoing development of India's indigenous fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), signaling a significant push to modernize the Indian Air Force's capabilities in an increasingly air-centric global security environment. The committee also highlighted the need for increased defense expenditure towards the Air Force to maintain combat readiness and national security.

India's ambitions to acquire sixth-generation fighter aircraft are beginning to take a more definite shape, with the defence ministry initiating efforts to join the French-led Future Combat Air System (FCAS) development programme.

This was revealed in a report by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence presented in Parliament on Friday. The panel has also asked the ministry to draw up a roadmap, including a tentative timeline, for the development and acquisition of sixth-generation aircraft.

The committee said it had been informed that two international consortia are currently working on sixth-generation fighter programmes. One comprises the UK, Italy and Japan, while the other involves France and Germany.

According to the report, the Indian Air Force intends to explore joining one of these programmes and consider sixth-generation fighters early enough to ensure that India does "not lag" in acquiring advanced combat aircraft.

The defence ministry also informed the committee that it has already "initiated efforts in a concerted manner to co-join the sixth-generation fighter aircraft development programme viz., Future Combat Air System (FCAS) spearheaded by the French government."

The parliamentary panel has now sought a detailed status report on these efforts. It has also asked whether a roadmap has been prepared and sought a tentative timeline for acquiring sixth-generation fighters.

The committee recommended that the ministry chalk out a clear trajectory and "step forward the planning process" for the development and acquisition of sixth-generation aircraft, pointing to the growing importance of air power in modern warfare, according to news agency PTI.

The country's sixth-generation ambitions are taking shape even as India works on its indigenous fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

The committee was informed that the AMCA design has been developed and discussions regarding its manufacture are currently underway. It has also sought a status report on the development and production of the aircraft.

The panel described the technological upgrading of aircraft as a "top priority" for strengthening the IAF's combat capabilities.

Apart from AMCA, efforts are underway to bridge the country's fighter capability gap through the Multi Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme and by increasing manufacturing capacity in India. The Light Combat Aircraft programme is also being pursued, while the LCA Mk-II and AMCA are at the Design and Development stage, according to the report.

The committee's recommendations come amid what it described as a "paradigm shift" in the technologies being used in warfare.

Against the backdrop of the current geopolitical environment and increasingly air-centric warfare, the panel called for a greater share of defence expenditure to be directed towards the IAF.

According to data provided by the defence ministry, the Air Force's revenue budget as a share of the Defence Services Estimates increased from 8.83 per cent in 2021-22 to 10.80 per cent in 2026-27.

However, the committee said the IAF's overall percentage share in the defence budget needs to increase further to strengthen the force and keep the country combat-ready.

It also called for adequate financial resources and support for the IAF's near-space operational requirements so that India can remain at par with other global players in space capabilities.

The panel also stressed the need for sustained investment in overall defence preparedness following Operation Sindoor. 

The committee said the Indian Army's capital budget should be sufficient to maintain a deterrent capability against adversaries in the event of hostilities.

The report also noted several major defence projects already underway, including the contract for 26 Rafale-M aircraft, follow-on support and supply for MH-60R helicopters, and heavyweight torpedoes for Scorpene-class submarines.

TAGS