New Delhi is moving toward closer involvement in Europe’s Future Combat Air System, choosing the French-led sixth-generation fighter initiative instead of the Global Combat Air Program being developed by Italy, Japan and the UK. India has confirmed that it has started coordinated efforts to join FCAS. Participation could provide Indian companies with opportunities to work on advanced technologies such as manned and unmanned teaming, artificial intelligence and cloud-based networking. Parliament’s Standing Committee on Defence has asked for further details covering the programme’s current status, roadmap and expected timeline. India’s interest comes as France and Germany have faced differences over industrial workshare, intellectual property rights and aircraft requirements. France’s search for additional partners could therefore create greater scope for Indian participation. The move also reflects expanding Franco-Indian defence ties, including discussions on 114 additional Rafale fighters and cooperation on engines for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft. India is pursuing advanced air-combat capabilities while China continues to field J-20 and J-35 stealth fighters and develop next-generation aircraft concepts.
