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New Delhi: In a strategic pivot to bolster its depleting air combat capabilities, Ministry of Defence has revealed plans to partner with one of two leading European consortia developing sixth-generation fighter aircraft, according to disclosures made to the Parliament's Standing Committee on Defence.
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The move comes at a critical juncture for the Indian Air Force (IAF), which faces squadron shortages and aging fleets amid rising regional tensions. Officials briefed the committee that India aims to integrate into either the Franco-German-led Future Combat Air System (FCAS) or the consortium of UK-Germany-Japan, both vying for supremacy in next-gen aviation tech. These platforms promise revolutionary features like AI-driven autonomy, hypersonic speeds, laser weapons, and networked drone swarms—leaps beyond fifth-gen jets like the Rafale or the indigenous Tejas Mk2.
On the indigenous fifth-generation fighter jets, the Committee said, "The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) has been developed the design and discussions for its making are currently."
The Indian Air Force has plans to induct six squadrons of these fifth-generation fighter jets and deploy them from 2035 onwards.
India has been showing keen interest in the global sixth-generation fighter jet development efforts in recent times. It is important to note here that the Secretary (Defence) Rajesh Kumar Singh (IAS), during a closed-door session last week, had emphasized the urgency: "With our squadron strength projected to dip below 30 by 2027—against a sanctioned 42—strategic partnerships are non-negotiable for sixth-gen leapfrogging."
The IAF currently operates around 31 squadrons, hobbled by delays in indigenous projects like the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), now slated for first flight only in 2028.
This disclosure aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' in defence, blending self-reliance with global tie-ups. Joining a consortium could unlock technology transfers, co-development roles, and export opportunities, mirroring India's S-400 deal with Russia. Sources indicate preliminary talks with France and the UK have accelerated post-2025, fueled by Quad dynamics and China's J-20 expansions.
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The Chinese Air Force had recently released visuals of its sixth-generation fighter jet, which is under development. They have already built fifth-generation fighters, which they might be sharing with Pakistan in the near future.
The Defence Ministry has yet to name its preferred consortium, with a decision expected by mid-2026. As India ramps up Rs 1 lakh crore in fighter procurements over the next decade, this European gambit signals a high-stakes bet on tomorrow's skies.
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