In a pivotal address at a defense seminar, Deputy Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti emphasized the urgent necessity for India to invest in sixth-generation airpower to secure its strategic interests in an evolving geopolitical landscape. He underscored the transformative capabilities of next-gen fighters, which integrate artificial intelligence and hypersonic technologies, positioning India to counter advancements by adversaries like China. Bharti’s advocacy aligns with previous IAF visions, establishing a roadmap that incorporates innovations such as directed energy weapons and swarm drones. He urged a decisive approach involving collaborations with DRDO and HAL, alongside international partnerships, to prevent a potential generational lag in air combat capabilities, reinforcing India’s commitment to maintaining its defense edge.