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India Eyes 6th-Gen Fighter Jet Partnership with European Consortia

India's Defence Ministry has informed Parliament it is looking to join one of two European consortia developing sixth-generation fighter aircraft to avoid falling behind in advanced aerial technology. One consortium includes the UK, Italy, and Japan, while the other comprises France and Germany. This move comes as China progresses with its own sixth-generation fighter development and shares fifth-generation jets with Pakistan. Domestically, India is advancing its Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) design and co-developing a powerful engine with France for future indigenous jets.

Key Points: India Seeks Role in European 6th-Gen Fighter Jet Development

  • India exploring 6th-gen fighter partnerships
  • Two European consortia identified
  • AMCA indigenous 5th-gen jet in design phase
  • Engine co-development with France planned
  • China advancing its own 6th-gen program
2 min read

India looking to join one of two European consortia developing 6th-gen fighter jets: Par Panel report

India's Defence Ministry plans to join a European consortium developing sixth-generation fighter aircraft to modernize its Air Force and avoid technological lag.

"The Air Force will try to join forces with one of the consortia... to ensure they do not lag behind. - Parliamentary Committee Report"

New Delhi, March 18

At a time when India is looking to strengthen its Air Force, the Defence Ministry has informed the Standing Committee on Defence that it is looking to join one of the two European global consortia working on developing sixth-generation fighter aircraft.

The Committee said one of the consortiums has the UK, Italy and Japan, while the other one comprises Germany and France.

"The Committee have been informed that two consortia are working on the sixth-generation aircraft. One is a consortium of the UK, Italy, and Japan and the other is a consortium of France and Germany and both are developing aircraft," the Committee said in its report tabled in Lok Sabha today.

"The Committee have also been informed that the Air Force will try to join forces with one of the consortia and begin considering a sixth-generation fighter right away with a view to ensuring that they do not lag behind in achieving the target for advanced aircraft,"

India has been showing keen interest in the global sixth-generation fighter jet development efforts in recent times.

Recently, the Chinese Air Force also released visuals of its sixth-generation fighter jets, which are under development.

The Chinese have also fully developed fifth-generation fighters, which they would also be sharing with Pakistan in the near future.

On the indigenous fifth-generation fighter jets, the Committee said, "The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) has been developed the design and discussions for its making are currently."

The Indian Air Force has plans to induct six squadrons of these fifth-generation fighter jets and deploy them from 2035 onwards.

India has also chosen to co-develop a strong 110-120 KN engine with a French company and that will be used to power the indigenous fifth-generation planes.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good, but I hope we don't become overly dependent on foreign partnerships again. The focus must remain on developing our own R&D and manufacturing ecosystem. Atmanirbharta is key.
V
Vikram M
The China-Pakistan angle is concerning. If they get 5th-gen jets, our air superiority is challenged. We must accelerate both the AMCA and this 6th-gen collaboration. No time to waste.
R
Rohit P
Finally some forward thinking! We've been reactive for too long. Joining a consortium means we get a seat at the table and learn the latest tech. Hope the deal has good tech transfer clauses.
S
Sarah B
Interesting development. The strategic choice between the UK-Italy-Japan bloc and the France-Germany one will be crucial. Each has different geopolitical implications and technology strengths.
N
Nikhil C
The engine deal with France is the most important part. Without a powerful, reliable indigenous engine, any fighter jet program will remain dependent. Glad that's being addressed separately.
M
Meera T
While the ambition is good, I have a respectful criticism. Our track record with large defence projects and timelines is not great. 2035 for AMCA seems far. Hope this new approach brings discipline and faster results.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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