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New Delhi. The Ministry of Defence has initiated efforts to join the sixth-generation fighter aircraft program being developed under the French Government-led Future Combat Air System (FCAS). The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence has also requested a roadmap from the ministry for the procurement of such aircraft.

Will the plan for the development and procurement of sixth-generation aircraft proceed?
In its report presented to Parliament on Friday, the parliamentary committee recommended the Ministry of Defence to set a clear direction for the development and acquisition of sixth-generation aircraft and advance the planning process. The committee stated that warfare is increasingly becoming air-centric, and strengthening India’s air capabilities is essential.

Which two international groups are developing sixth-generation aircraft?
According to the report, the committee was informed that two consortia are working on sixth-generation aircraft. One is a consortium of Britain, Italy, and Japan, while the other is a consortium of France and Germany. Both groups are working on the development of sixth-generation fighter aircraft.

The committee stated that it has been informed that the Indian Air Force will seek to partner with a consortium and immediately consider sixth-generation fighter aircraft, ensuring that India does not lag behind in achieving its goal of advanced aircraft.

Has the AMCA design been finalized?
The report stated that the design of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) has been finalized, and discussions are currently underway regarding its production. The committee stated that improving the aircraft’s technical capabilities is a top priority for enhancing the Air Force’s combat capabilities. The Ministry of Defense informed the committee that it has initiated coordinated efforts to join the French government-led Future Combat Air System (FCAS) sixth-generation fighter aircraft development program.

The committee requested a detailed status report on the development and acquisition of sixth-generation aircraft. It also requested information on the roadmap and potential timelines for the acquisition of such aircraft. The Committee stated that a detailed report on the development and production status of the AMCA should be provided, along with an action taken statement, so that the Committee can review it.

Has there been further emphasis on defense preparedness since Operation Sindoor?
The Committee commended the Army’s decisive role in protecting national security during Operation Sindoor and emphasized the need for continued investment in defense preparedness. The Committee stated that future budgets should prioritize the incorporation of cutting-edge weapon systems and the development of necessary infrastructure to maintain and further strengthen the Indian Army’s strength.

Should the defense budget increase in line with the expenditures of neighboring countries?
The Committee stated that India’s defense expenditure should be proportionate to the increase in defense spending of its neighbors. Accordingly, the Indian Army’s capital budget should be sufficient to maintain the ability to deter adversaries in any potential conflict.

Based on data provided by the Ministry, the Committee noted that there has been a clear increase in the Air Force’s revenue budget share in the Defense Services Estimates (DSE). This share has increased from 8.83 percent in 2021-22 to 10.80 percent in 2026-27.

Does the Air Force’s budget share need to be further increased?
The committee stated that given the current geopolitical situation and increasingly air-centric warfare, the IAF’s overall share in the DSE budget needs to be further increased. This will help strengthen the Air Force and maintain the country’s combat readiness.

According to the committee, all efforts are being made to gradually achieve self-reliance in the defense sector. Work is underway on the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) to address capability gaps and increase manufacturing capacity in India. The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program is also ongoing.

Are the LCA MK-II and AMCA currently in the design and development phase?
According to the report, the LCA MK-II and AMCA are currently in the design and development (D&D) phase. The committee noted that there has been a major shift in technology used in warfare. The committee stated that, given the evolving technology of warfare, the Indian Air Force should be provided with adequate financial resources and support to meet the requirements of near-space operations. The objective is to establish India on a par with other global powers in the field of space capabilities.

How much budget has been allocated for naval modernization?
The government informed the committee that major new projects include a contract for 26 Rafale-M aircraft, follow-on support/supply for MH-60R helicopters, and heavyweight torpedoes for Scorpene-class submarines.

According to the committee, the modernization budget for the Indian Navy includes ₹47,748.31 crore (73.57 percent) for committed liabilities and ₹17,146.28 crore (26.43 percent) for new projects.