India's Ministry of Defence has confirmed that it has initiated concerted efforts to join the French-led Future Combat Air System (FCAS) sixth-generation fighter aircraft programme, according to a government report submitted to Parliament. The disclosure was contained in an action-taken report presented on August 7 to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence, which requested a detailed status update regarding India's proposed involvement.
Discussions between India and France remain ongoing, with key negotiating topics including industrial workshare, access to intellectual property, design responsibilities, software access, and weapons integration. While no final agreements have been reached, India currently operates 36 Rafale fighters alongside its indigenous Tejas programme and the fifth-generation AMCA development project.
