NEW DELHI — India has begun concerted efforts to join the French-led Future Combat Air System (FCAS) sixth-generation fighter aircraft programme, according to the Ministry of Defence's response cited by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence.
The committee presented its report in Parliament on August 7, 2026, and asked the government to provide a detailed status report, roadmap and tentative timeline for India's plans to develop or acquire sixth-generation combat aircraft.
The Ministry of Defence told the panel that it has “initiated efforts in a concerted manner to co-join” the sixth-generation fighter aircraft development programme, identified as FCAS and spearheaded by the French government.
India Exploring International Sixth-Generation Programme
The committee was informed that two international groupings are developing sixth-generation combat aircraft. One involves the United Kingdom, Italy and Japan, while the other involves France and Germany.
The Indian Air Force has indicated that it would seek to join one of these groupings and consider a sixth-generation fighter at the earliest. The committee said advance planning is required as the role of air power continues to grow in modern warfare.
The report does not provide details of any final agreement, participation terms, work-share arrangement, funding commitment or acquisition contract between India and the FCAS programme.
FCAS and AMCA to Progress in Parallel
India's efforts to explore participation in FCAS will continue alongside the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme.
The committee noted that the AMCA design has been developed and discussions on its production are under way. It asked the Ministry of Defence to provide an update on the programme's development and production in its next action-taken statement.
The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-II programme is also in the design and development stage. The committee noted that efforts to strengthen self-reliance in defence manufacturing include the LCA programme and the Multi Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme.
The panel also identified technical upgrades to the existing Indian Air Force fleet as a top priority for maintaining its combat capability.
Air Force Funding and Near-Space Operations
The committee recommended adequate financial resources and support for the Indian Air Force's near-space operations, citing the growing importance of space-related military capabilities.
Ministry of Defence data showed that the Air Force's share of the Defence Services Estimates (DSE) increased from 8.83 per cent in 2021-22 to 10.80 per cent in 2026-27. The committee recommended a further increase, citing the geopolitical environment and growing importance of air power.
It also called for future defence budgets to prioritise state-of-the-art weapon systems and the infrastructure needed to support them. The panel recommended continued investment in defence preparedness and said defence spending should keep pace with neighbouring countries.
The committee also commended the Army's role in safeguarding national security during Operation Sindoor and called for an adequate capital budget for the Army.
Naval Modernisation
The report also outlined major naval modernisation programmes, including the procurement of 26 Rafale-M fighter aircraft, follow-on support for MH-60R helicopters, and heavyweight torpedoes for the Navy's submarine fleet.
The Navy has been allocated Rs 47,748.31 crore for committed liabilities and Rs 17,146.28 crore for new schemes.
India's sixth-generation fighter planning is therefore being pursued alongside ongoing domestic fighter development and broader military modernisation. The parliamentary committee has asked the government to provide further details on the sixth-generation fighter roadmap and the development and production status of AMCA in its next action-taken statement.
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