India has started efforts to join the French-led Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme for developing sixth-generation fighter aircraft, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence said in a report presented in Parliament on Friday, 7th August. The panel has also asked the Defence Ministry to prepare a clear roadmap and tentative timeline for the development and acquisition of these advanced aircraft.
The committee said the Indian Air Force should begin planning for sixth-generation fighters at the earliest to ensure India does not fall behind in advanced air combat capabilities. It noted that modern warfare is becoming increasingly dependent on air and space technologies.
The report is titled “Action Taken by the Government on the Observations/Recommendations contained in the Twentieth Report of Standing Committee on Defence (18th Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants of the Ministry of Defence for the year 2026-27 on ‘Army, Air Force, Navy, Joint Staff, Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme and Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services (Demand Nos. 20 and 21)’.”
Two global fighter programmes
According to the report, two international consortia are currently developing sixth-generation aircraft. One consists of the UK, Italy and Japan, while the other brings together France and Germany.
The Defence Ministry told the panel that it has “initiated efforts in a concerted manner to co-join” the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme, which is being spearheaded by the French government.
The committee has sought a detailed status report on India’s efforts to develop and acquire sixth-generation aircraft. It has also asked the ministry to provide any roadmap prepared for the programme, along with a tentative acquisition timeline.
AMCA programme also under watch
The panel has also sought an update on India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme. It said the AMCA design has been developed and discussions on its production are currently underway.
The committee has asked the ministry to submit a detailed status report on the development and production of AMCA along with its next action-taken statement.
It said technical upgrades to India’s fighter fleet remain a “top priority” for strengthening the combat capability of the Air Force.
More focus on air and space power
The committee highlighted a “paradigm shift” in the technology used in modern warfare and called for adequate financial support for near-space operations. It said India needs to maintain its position in space-related defence capabilities.
The Air Force’s share of the Defence Services Estimates (DSE) has increased from 8.83 per cent in 2021-22 to 10.80 per cent in 2026-27. However, the panel said its share should increase further in view of the current geopolitical environment and the growing importance of air power.
Push for modern and indigenous weapons
The committee also stressed the need to strengthen self-reliance in defence manufacturing through programmes such as Multi Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) and Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).
The LCA Mk-II and AMCA programmes are currently in the design and development stage. The panel called for continued investment in defence preparedness, including state-of-the-art weapon systems and the infrastructure needed to support them.
It also commended the Army’s role in safeguarding national security during Operation Sindoor and called for defence spending to keep pace with neighbouring countries. The panel stressed the need for an adequate capital budget for the Army to maintain deterrence.
Navy modernisation
The report also mentioned naval modernisation plans, including the induction of 26 Rafale-M aircraft, MH-60R helicopter support and heavyweight torpedoes.
The Navy has been allocated Rs 47,748.31 crore for committed liabilities and Rs 17,146.28 crore for new schemes.
The committee has called for continued investment across the armed forces, with a focus on advanced fighter aircraft, AMCA, modern weapons, air and space capabilities and defence infrastructure.
