The world will be surprised by Indian air power: The Beginning of a new era in the sky. India’s air power can surprise the world in the coming years. Europe’s most ambitious defense project – SCAF/FCAS (Future Combat Air System) – has now reached close to India.
This sixth-generation fighter aircraft, jointly developed by France, Germany, and Spain, can completely change India’s strategic position. If India becomes a partner country in this project, it will prove to be a big strategic challenge not only for Pakistan but also for China. For the Indian Air Force, it can prove to be the most lethal weapon of the future.
Not just a fighter aircraft, but a “System of Systems”
FCAS is being called not just a new aircraft but a “System of Systems”. At its center will be the New Generation Fighter (NGF), which will also include unmanned drones, i.e., “Remote Carriers”. All of them will be connected in real-time through the Combat Cloud and will exchange information. This means that this aircraft will never fight a war alone, but will always land in the sky with a network of the entire army.
Hypersonic speed and invisible stealth technology
Experts believe that this aircraft can reach hypersonic speed, i.e., Mach 5 or even more. It will also have state-of-the-art stealth technology, due to which it will not be visible on the enemy’s radar. Existing fifth-generation aircraft like America’s F-35 may be considered superior today, but FCAS will be far ahead of them. It will have capabilities like artificial intelligence, modern sensors, and drone support, which will make it the most advanced weapon of the future.
Golden opportunity for India
India and France have been maintaining a strong defense partnership for decades. From Mirage to Rafale, both countries have together modernized the Indian Air Force. Now there is a possibility that India can get the status of “observer country” in this project. If this happens, India will not only get detailed information about this technology, but it will also directly benefit India’s own indigenous aircraft project AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft).
This step will give a new flight to “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat”. Along with this, Indian defense companies will also get a precious opportunity to connect with Europe’s supply chain, which will enable India to make a strong identity in the global aerospace industry.
Nightmare for Pakistan and China
If India includes advanced fighter aircraft like FCAS in its Air Force, then it will be the biggest threat to the Pakistan Air Force. At present, Pakistan is dependent on old aircraft from China and America, while India already has modern fighters like Rafale and Sukhoi. After the arrival of FCAS, India’s air superiority will become unmatched.
China will also be uncomfortable with this. Beijing may be working on its fifth-generation technology, but if India gets a sixth-generation European aircraft, then the strategic balance of Asia will change.
The way forward
Although India’s formal participation has not been confirmed yet, the very possibility has created a stir among defence experts around the world. For India, this is not just a matter of buying another fighter jet, but an opportunity to join the ranks of countries developing future warfare technology.
If everything goes according to plan, in the coming decade, the Indian Air Force will have such power that the world will be surprised to see. One thing is certain that the equation of the skies of South Asia can change forever.