India eyes sixth-generation fighter leap as panel seeks roadmap

India wants to be part of building a brand-new kind of super fighter jet called a sixth-generation fighter.

Right now, a group of countries led by France is building something called the Future Combat Air System, or FCAS.

India has told a team of lawmakers, called a parliamentary panel, that it has started trying to join this project.

The panel has asked the people in charge of India's defence to make a clear plan for when and how these new jets will be bought.

India is also building its own fighter jet called AMCA, and it is still at the design stage.

The panel said the Indian Air Force needs more money, because the Air Force's share of the defence budget has gone up but still may not be enough.

It also wants India to prepare for battles that use space and satellites, not just planes in the sky.

India's Navy is also getting new equipment like Rafale-M jets, helicopter support and torpedoes for submarines.

In simple words, India is planning ahead for future air wars so it does not fall behind other countries.