India is likely to join a global consortium developing a sixth-generation fighter aircraft, the world's most advanced, to meet future air threats, said Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has zeroed in on two global consortia - the UK, Italy, and Japan/France, Germany, and Spain - hoping to join forces with one of them to develop the sixth-generation fighter aircraft.
The IAF plans to partner with one of the consortia to start considering the sixth-generation fighter right now, with the next-generation combat air capability expected to be deployed by 2040.
The consortium will integrate complex platforms and technologies, including next-level stealth aircraft, uncrewed systems, advanced weapons, and superior avionics and radar systems.
India is also working to develop a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet or the AMCA (advanced medium combat aircraft) programme, with three consortia progressing to the next stage of the evaluation process.
