India has formally begun efforts to join the French-led Future Combat Air System, or FCAS, a multinational sixth-generation fighter initiative. New Delhi has chosen to pursue cooperation with FCAS rather than the Global Combat Air Program, which is being developed by Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom.
India’s Defence Ministry confirmed in a document submitted to lawmakers in early August that it had started coordinated efforts to participate in the programme. If the proposal receives approval, Indian defence companies could gain access to selected technologies connected with next-generation combat aviation.
Potential areas of cooperation include manned-unmanned teaming, artificial intelligence and cloud-based networking. The Indian Parliament’s Standing Committee on Defence has asked the ministry to provide a detailed update covering the programme’s current status, roadmap and expected timeline.
The move also comes amid stronger defence cooperation between India and France. The two countries are engaged in discussions concerning the possible purchase of 114 additional Rafale fighters and cooperation on engines for India’s indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft.
India and France also have overlapping operational requirements involving carrier-capable aircraft and airborne nuclear deterrence. Germany has different requirements because it does not operate aircraft carriers and participates in NATO’s nuclear-sharing arrangement.
India’s interest in sixth-generation aviation is also influenced by China’s growing airpower. Beijing operates J-20 and J-35 stealth fighters and is testing aircraft associated with future sixth-generation capabilities.
