# India lags in 5th-gen fighter race, eyes French 6th-gen programme 2026-08-08T05:47:09+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Turkey's KAAN fifth-generation fighter has completed powered taxi trials, with its first flight in 2024 and initial deliveries expected by 2028. India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) remains in the design phase with no prototype built; the first flight is unlikely before the early 2030s. India faces delays in engine selection and stealth material development. A deal for the GE F414 engine, agreed with the US, has stalled due to cost escalations. Meanwhile, India is in talks to join France-led Future Combat Air System (FCAS), a sixth-generation fighter programme. The Ministry of Defence informed Parliament that efforts are being initiated to co-join the project, after Germany exited over disagreements on carrier operability. Prime Minister Modi and President Macron discussed co-development, and Air Chief Marshal AP Singh visited France in June. The FCAS first flight is expected in 2028-29. ## Coverage - timesofindia.indiatimes.com - timesofindia.indiatimes.com Tags: AMCA, defence, engine deal, fifth-generation fighter, HAL, Turkey KAAN Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/india-lags-in-fifth-generation-fighter-race-as-turkey-surges/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/india-lags-in-fifth-generation-fighter-race-as-turkey-surges/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.