India's Defence Ministry Initiates Steps for Sixth-Generation Fighter Jet Program

Parliamentary Committee Report on Future Combat Air System

New Delhi, August 7 - A parliamentary committee has reported that the Defence Ministry has commenced efforts to engage with the French-led sixth-generation fighter jet development initiative known as the Future Combat Air System (FCAS). The committee has requested the ministry to provide a roadmap for the inclusion of these advanced aircraft.

In a report presented in Parliament on Friday, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence recommended that the ministry should establish a clear direction for the development and procurement of sixth-generation aircraft to enhance India's aerial capabilities in contemporary air-centric warfare, urging the acceleration of the planning process.

The report stated, “The committee has been informed that two consortiums are working on the sixth-generation aircraft. One consortium includes the UK, Italy, and Japan, while the other consists of France and Germany, both of which are developing their respective aircraft.”

The committee noted that it was made aware of the Indian Air Force's intention to collaborate with one of these groups and to consider acquiring sixth-generation fighter jets promptly to ensure that it does not fall behind in achieving modern aviation objectives. According to the report, the Defence Ministry has conveyed to the committee that it has initiated serious efforts to join the French-led sixth-generation fighter jet development program, the Future Combat Air System.