Sixth-gen fighters on horizon: How India is planning its next air combat leap amid global race

India is beginning to map out its next leap in air combat capability, with a parliamentary panel urging the government to accelerate planning for sixth-generation fighter aircraft as global powers race ahead with advanced platforms.

The standing committee on defence, in its latest report tabled in the Lok Sabha, has called for a clear “trajectory” to develop and acquire such aircraft, warning that modern warfare is becoming increasingly air-centric.The recommendation comes at a time when the Indian Air Force (IAF) is grappling with a shrinking squadron strength and rising regional competition. With China pushing ahead with both fifth- and sixth-generation fighter programmes and Pakistan expected to induct advanced stealth jets, the pressure on India to stay technologically competitive is mounting.

Against this backdrop, New Delhi is not only advancing its indigenous fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme but also exploring partnerships for sixth-generation development. The defence ministry has indicated that India may join one of two major European consortia currently working on next-generation fighter jets, signalling a more collaborative and globally integrated approach.

"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,"The move reflects a broader shift in India’s defence planning—balancing indigenous capability with strategic partnerships—while preparing for a future where air superiority will depend as much on data, artificial intelligence and unmanned systems as on traditional combat power.

India eyes global partnerships for sixth-generation leap

The defence ministry has informed the parliamentary panel that two major international consortia are currently developing sixth-generation fighters. One includes the UK, Italy and Japan, while the other is led by France and Germany.India is considering joining one of these groups to fast-track its entry into sixth-generation capabilities. The idea is to avoid falling behind in a domain where development cycles can stretch over two decades.

Early participation would allow India access to cutting-edge technologies, including advanced propulsion, stealth design and network-centric warfare systems.This approach also marks a departure from earlier, more self-reliant models, reflecting the complexity and cost of next-generation fighter programmes. With sixth-generation aircraft expected to integrate artificial intelligence, loyal wingman drones and advanced sensor fusion, collaboration is increasingly seen as essential rather than optional.

AMCA programme: India’s fifth-generation foundation

While sixth-generation planning gathers pace, India’s immediate focus remains on the AMCA, its indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter. Designed as a twin-engine aircraft with advanced stealth, internal weapons bays and AI-enabled systems, the AMCA is expected to form the backbone of the IAF’s future fleet from the mid-2030s.The IAF plans to induct multiple squadrons of the aircraft, with initial versions powered by GE-F414 engines and later variants expected to use more powerful 110–120 kN engines being co-developed with a foreign partner.

The programme has already received approval for full-scale engineering development, including the construction of five prototypes by 2031.

Shift in production model: Private sector gains ground

One of the most significant changes in India’s fighter aircraft strategy is the move away from a single public sector-led model. For decades, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has been the primary manufacturer of combat aircraft, from MiGs to the indigenous Tejas.Now, under a new programme execution model approved by the government, private companies are being allowed to compete for the AMCA development phase.

Several consortia involving major industrial players such as Tata, Larsen & Toubro, and Bharat Forge have already been shortlisted.This shift aims to create a more competitive ecosystem, reduce delays and build parallel manufacturing capacity. It also reflects concerns over production bottlenecks, particularly given HAL’s existing commitments, including large orders for Tejas fighters and multiple helicopter programmes.

Global race intensifies: China and US push ahead

India’s urgency is underscored by rapid developments in other countries. China has already showcased prototypes of its sixth-generation fighters, including tailless designs with advanced propulsion systems and stealth features. Reports suggest rapid iteration, with new prototypes appearing within months, pointing to an accelerated development cycle.The United States is also moving forward with its next-generation fighter, with plans for a first flight before the end of the decade.

These aircraft are expected to operate alongside unmanned “loyal wingman” drones, significantly enhancing combat capability.Sixth-generation fighters are likely to feature capabilities that go beyond traditional benchmarks—directed energy weapons, advanced cyber warfare systems, and possibly even semi-autonomous operation. The emphasis is shifting towards data dominance, real-time decision-making, and seamless integration across platforms.At present, the IAF operates a mix of fourth- and 4.5-generation aircraft, including the Sukhoi-30MKI, Rafale, and Tejas. However, it lacks an operational fifth-generation fighter, placing added importance on the timely delivery of the AMCA.