Why India is eyeing France’s next-generation combat aircraft tech amid jet shortage
India is looking to join France’s sixth-generation fighter programme in a long-term bid to secure a role in the next era of air warfare, from advanced aircraft technology to the industrial work of designing and building future combat systems. But analysts said the move, while potentially a major step in India’s defence partnership with France, would do little to ease the country’s immediate…
India is exploring the possibility of joining France's sixth-generation fighter programme to secure a role in the next era of air warfare. While this move could strengthen the defence partnership between the two nations, it is not expected to alleviate the country's immediate shortage of combat jets. The Indian Air Force currently operates only 29 fighter squadrons, falling short of the 42 required for potential conflicts with China and Pakistan.
France's Future Combat Air System (FCAS), aimed at developing advanced aircraft and connected air warfare systems, is seen as a logical next step for strategic cooperation. However, analysts note that any arrangement would depend on funding, workshares, and agreed terms with any new partner. India is currently developing its indigenous fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and could bring market, talent, and manufacturing capabilities to FCAS, but the programme would not be operational until the 2040s.
Retired IAF Air Marshal Ravi Gopal Krishana Kapoor said FCAS could become operational around that time, but integrating crewed fighters with unmanned systems and dealing with software, AI, and intellectual property would present significant challenges.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
