New Delhi Seeks Advanced Air Combat Capabilities Through Partnership

India has expressed interest in joining one of the two ongoing European sixth-generation fighter programs, according to local media reports. The country’s Ministry of Defence aims to enhance its air domain capabilities and avoid lagging behind in achieving advanced aircraft targets. The two consortia involved are the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) and the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) effort. However, defense analysts believe that existing partners may be reluctant to allow India to join the development program, although they may welcome India as a buyer of their respective aircraft. This development was first reported by Breaking Defense.