NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has informed a Parliamentary Standing Committee that it has initiated “concerted” efforts to join the French-led 6th Generation fighter aircraft development programme, known as the Future Combat Air System (FCAS).
In the Twenty-Fifth Report of the Standing Committee on Defence (2025-26), tabled in the Lok Sabha, the Ministry outlined its roadmap for securing next-generation aerial combat capabilities.
“The Ministry of Defence has initiated efforts in a concerted manner to co-join the 6th Generation Fighter Aircraft Development Programme viz. Future Combat Air System (FCAS) spearheaded by the French Government,” the MoD stated in its submission to the panel.
The report, which details “Action Taken” by the government on recommendations regarding Demands for Grants for 2026-27, highlights India’s intent to leapfrog from current 4.5 and 5th generation platforms to 6th generation technology.
In a significant development in the 114 Rafale jet deal, France has submitted its detailed technical and commercial proposal to India for the deal, which will include large-scale local manufacturing and production of the multi-role combat aircraft.
The Rafale aircraft are likely to become one of the mainstays of the Indian Air Force in future and were chosen in 2012 by the Defence Ministry after a long global competition.
