08 August,2026 12:20 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Representational Pic
India has initiated efforts to join the French-led Future Combat Air System (FCAS), a sixth-generation fighter aircraft development programme, as the country looks to strengthen its air combat capabilities amid changing warfare technologies.
A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence said in a report presented in Parliament on Friday that the Ministry of Defence had informed it about efforts to "co-join" the FCAS programme. The panel has now asked the ministry to prepare a clear roadmap for the development and acquisition of sixth-generation fighter aircraft, including tentative timelines.
The committee said the Indian Air Force should consider joining one of the international consortia developing sixth-generation aircraft so that India does not fall behind in acquiring advanced combat platforms.
According to the parliamentary report, two major international consortia are currently developing sixth-generation fighter aircraft.
One involves the UK, Italy and Japan, while the other is being developed by France and Germany. The panel said it had been informed that the IAF would explore the possibility of joining one of these programmes.
The committee stressed that upgrading India's combat aircraft technology should remain a priority, particularly as modern warfare becomes increasingly dependent on air power and advanced technologies.
It asked the Defence Ministry to provide a detailed status report on the development and acquisition of sixth-generation aircraft, along with a proposed roadmap and tentative timeline, in its next action taken statement.
The committee also sought an update on India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme.
The report said the AMCA design has been developed and discussions on its production are underway. The panel asked the ministry to provide a detailed status report on the development and manufacture of the aircraft.
The AMCA, along with the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-II, is currently at the design and development stage. The committee said these programmes would play an important role in strengthening India's indigenous fighter aircraft capabilities.
The panel also noted the pursuit of Multi Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) as part of efforts to bridge existing capability gaps while expanding domestic defence manufacturing.
The defence panel also called for increased financial resources for the Indian Air Force, citing the changing nature of warfare and the importance of air power.
According to data provided by the Defence Ministry, the Air Force's 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 share should be increased further in view of the geopolitical environment and the growing importance of air-centric warfare.
The panel also called for adequate resources to develop India's capabilities for near-space operations, arguing that the country needs to keep pace with other major powers in space and advanced military technologies.
The committee also praised the Indian Army's role in safeguarding national security during Operation Sindoor and called for sustained investment in defence preparedness.
It recommended that future defence budgets prioritise the induction of advanced weapon systems and the development of supporting infrastructure.
The panel said the Army's capital budget should be sufficient to maintain a credible deterrent capability and should take into account the level of defence spending by neighbouring countries.
The report also detailed several major projects being undertaken for the Indian Navy.
These include the procurement of 26 Rafale-Marine aircraft, follow-on support and supplies for MH-60R helicopters and heavyweight torpedoes for Scorpene-class submarines.
The committee noted that the Navy's modernisation budget includes Rs 47,748.31 crore, or 73.57 per cent, for committed liabilities, while Rs 17,146.28 crore, or 26.43 per cent, has been allocated for new schemes.
The panel said continued investment across the armed forces would be essential to improve India's technological edge, strengthen self-reliance and maintain combat readiness.
(With inputs from PTI)
