US and Russian stealth fighters make historic appearance at Aero India 2025

In a historic moment, the latest stealth fighter aircraft from rival countries, Russia and the US, are sharing the same airspace and adjoining parking slots on the tarmac at Aero India 2025, which kicked off in Bengaluru on February 10. Russia’s Sukhoi Su-57 Felon and the US’ Lockheed F-35 Lightning II are both advanced, fifth-generation fighters. Notably, this marks the first appearance of the Su-57 in India, whereas the F-35 has been showcased at Aero India previously.

The inclusion of these cutting-edge aircraft at Aero India 2025 highlights the significance of stealth, connectivity, and multi-role versatility in next-generation fighter aircraft for modern air forces, according to the Ministry of Defence. This year’s event is expected to be the largest air show in Asia.

Su-57: A twin-engine, multirole fighter capable of aerial combat as well as ground and maritime strike, the Su-57 incorporates stealth, super-manoeuvrability and super-cruise features besides a large payload capacity. Its sleek, aerodynamic design and internal weapons bays reduce radar cross-section, enhancing its survivability

It combines supersonic cruising speeds, advanced sensor integration and a formidable arsenal of weapons comprising long range air-to-air, air-to-surface as well as hypersonic missiles, bombs and precision guided munitions. The Su-57 is equipped with advanced systems such as the N036 Byka radar featuring multiple arrays for a 360-degree situational awareness and Irbis-E infrared search and track system, enabling it to detect and engage targets without relying on radar. Its aero-engines provide thrust vectoring, a hallmark of Russian fighter design that provides exceptional agility and manoeuvrability.

F-35: Designed for air superiority and strike missions, the F-35 has three variants –conventional take-off and landing, short take-off and vertical-landing and a carrier-based naval variant, making it adaptable to diverse operational requirements. It first flew in 2006 and entered service with the US Marine Corps in July 2015, followed by the US Air Force in August 2016 and the US Navy in February 2019.

At the heart of the F-35 is the sensor fusion technology, which integrates data from its advanced radar, electro-optical targeting system and distributed aperture system into a single, real-time operational picture for the pilot. This capability, combined with its low-observable stealth design, allows the F-35 to penetrate heavily defended airspace and conduct precision strikes effectively.

While Russia is the sole operator of the Su-30 so far, with a limited number of aircraft in service, the F-35 has been exported to Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, South Korea and the United Kingdom, with a dozen more potential customers lined up.

India was a development partner with Russia on the PAK-FA – the joint Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft project that culminated with the Su-57, it pulled out in 2018 over concerns of costs, work share and operational requirements.

The presence of the Su-57 and F-35 at Aero India could spark discussions on future partnerships, technology transfers and joint development opportunities, aligning with the vision of self-reliance, as well as offer valuable insights for India’s defence modernisation and indigenous fighter development programmes, the MoD has stated.

B-1B Lancer: The US Air Force’s long range supersonic bomber has flown over Indian skies before during air shows. With a range of 11,000 km and a payload capacity of 34,000 kg of nuclear and conventional weapons, including missile and bombs, this aircraft forms a critical component of American strike capabilities.

Known for its distinctive variable-sweep wing design, the B-1B combines high-speed performance and advanced avionics for mission accomplishment and can rapidly deploy and strike targets across vast distances, making it a key asset for global power projection.

KC-135 Stratotanker: The cornerstone of the US Air Force’s aerial refuelling fleet, it is a military adaptation of the Boeing 707 airframe designed to extend the range and operational flexibility of combat aircraft. Since its introduction in the 1950s, it has played a vital role in global military operations, providing critical mid-air refuelling support to fighter jets, bombers, transport aircraft and reconnaissance platforms.

With a capacity to carry over 90,000 kg fuel, the KC-135’s versatility and reliability have made it an asset for power projection, enabling long-range missions and rapid deployment of forces worldwide. The aircraft has undergone numerous upgrades and modernisation over the years to meet contemporary requirements.

Besides these that would be part of the flypasts at Aero India, several fighters, logistics and unmanned aircrafts are on static display. These include –

F-16 Fighting Falcon: A single-engine lightweight multi-role fighter aircraft that is operated by numerous air forces around the world, including Pakistan. It has been used extensively in combat, including American operations in the Middle East, Gulf and east Europe.

Airbus A330 MRTT: A multirole tanker-transport aircraft in service with 15 nations, it integrates the ability to transport large numbers of troops and cargo with the speed, range and comfort of an airliner. It can be configured as a mid-air refuelling aircraft and as a medical evacuation aircraft with stretchers.

A-400M: A four-engine turboprop military airlifter that combines the ability to fly to strategic distances carrying heavy loads with the ability to land and deliver those loads on tactical short and unpaved airstrips, it can airlift outsize cargo such as heavy armoured vehicles, helicopters or specialised civil engineering equipment. It can also be reconfigured as an aerial tanker.

Embraer C-390 Millennium: It is a new generation military multi-mission airlift aircraft designed for mobility, airfield operation flexibility and high safety levels at low operational costs. It can perform a variety of missions such as cargo and troop transport, cargo and paratroopers airdrop and aerial refuelling.

Airbus’ Ecureuil H125: The single-engine helicopter has been produced in large numbers for global customers and depends on performance, versatility, lower acquisition and maintenance costs, while also excelling in high-and-hot and extreme environments. Tata and Airbus Helicopters have partnered to establish the industrial setup for producing the H125 in India, becoming the first entity in the private sector to start manufacturing helicopters in India. Deliveries are expected to commence in 2026.