India moves to join French-led sixth-gen fighter programme, defence panel seeks roadmap

India has initiated efforts to join the Frenchled Future Combat Air System FCAS a sixthgeneration fighter aircraft development programme as the country looks to strengthen its air combat capabilities amid changing warfare technologiesA 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 cojoin the FCAS programme The panel has now asked the ministry to prepare a clear roadmap for the development and acquisition of sixthgeneration fighter aircraft including tentative timelinesThe committee said the Indian Air Force should consider joining one of the international consortia developing sixthgeneration aircraft so that India does not fall behind in acquiring advanced combat platformsTwo global fighter programmes under developmentAccording to the parliamentary report two major international consortia are currently developing sixthgeneration fighter aircraftOne 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 programmesThe committee stressed that upgrading Indias combat aircraft technology should remain a priority particularly as modern warfare becomes increasingly dependent on air power and advanced technologiesIt asked the Defence Ministry to provide a detailed status report on the development and acquisition of sixthgeneration aircraft along with a proposed roadmap and tentative timeline in its next action taken statementAMCA development under scrutinyThe committee also sought an update on Indias Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft AMCA programmeThe 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 aircraftThe AMCA along with the Light Combat Aircraft LCA MkII is currently at the design and development stage The committee said these programmes would play an important role in strengthening Indias indigenous fighter aircraft capabilitiesThe panel also noted the pursuit of Multi Role Fighter Aircraft MRFA as part of efforts to bridge existing capability gaps while expanding domestic defence manufacturingIAF needs greater financial support panel saysThe defence panel also called for increased financial resources for the Indian Air Force citing the changing nature of warfare and the importance of air powerAccording to data provided by the Defence Ministry the Air Forces share of the Defence Services Estimates increased from 883 per cent in 202122 to 1080 per cent in 202627However the committee said the IAFs share should be increased further in view of the geopolitical environment and the growing importance of aircentric warfareThe panel also called for adequate resources to develop Indias capabilities for nearspace operations arguing that the country needs to keep pace with other major powers in space and advanced military technologiesThe committee also praised the Indian Armys role in safeguarding national security during Operation Sindoor and called for sustained investment in defence preparednessIt recommended that future defence budgets prioritise the induction of advanced weapon systems and the development of supporting infrastructureThe panel said the Armys capital budget should be sufficient to maintain a credible deterrent capability and should take into account the level of defence spending by neighbouring countriesMajor projects being undertaken for the Indian NavyThe report also detailed several major projects being undertaken for the Indian NavyThese include the procurement of 26 RafaleMarine aircraft followon support and supplies for MH60R helicopters and heavyweight torpedoes for Scorpeneclass submarinesThe committee noted that the Navys modernisation budget includes Rs 4774831 crore or 7357 per cent for committed liabilities while Rs 1714628 crore or 2643 per cent has been allocated for new schemesThe panel said continued investment across the armed forces would be essential to improve Indias technological edge strengthen selfreliance and maintain combat readinessWith inputs from PTI