India formally joins UK-Japan-Italy's GCAP sixth-generation fighter programme as dialogue partner

Exam-focused facts from the 31 August 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

India has formally joined the UK-Japan-Italy Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) as a dialogue partner.
India is also exploring collaboration with France's Future Combat Air System (FCAS).
GCAP recently secured $6.1 billion for its full-scale design phase.
India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is planned for first flight around 2028-29.
India faces a deficit of 13 fighter squadrons and is evaluating a 114-aircraft Rafale procurement.