US F-35, Russian Su-57 to soar over Bengaluru at Aero India
Two of the world’s foremost fighter jets — one from the US and the other from Russia — will be on display at Aero India in Bengaluru. Despite Washington DC and Moscow being at loggerheads, their jets are set to conduct ‘peaceful’ flying demonstrations over the southern Indian metropolis.
The F-35, manufactured by US firm Lockheed Martin, is part of the US Air Force and is scheduled to participate in Aero India from February 10 to 14. The Russian Sukhoi Su-57, inducted into the Russian Air Force, will also be present. The Russian Embassy in India said on X on Wednesday, “Fifth-generation fighter jet Su-57 is to be on display at Aero India 2025… First time in India... Don’t miss your chance to see this beauty.”
Sources in the defence establishment confirmed that the F-35’s arrival, along with other aircraft from various manufacturers, is on schedule. Advanced liaison teams have already inspected the venue at Yelahanka Air Base.
Both the US and Russian jets belong to the fifth generation —the latest in fighter jet technology. Besides these two, the US also operates the F-22, another fifth-generation aircraft. China claims its J-20 also falls into this category. No other country currently possesses operational fifth-generation fighter jets. India, for its part, is in the ‘design and drawings’ phase of its fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
The US has sold F-35 to several NATO allies, as well as Japan, Singapore and Australia. The jet made its debut at Aero India in February 2023. The Su-57, however, will be visiting India for the first time. Known for its radar-evading capabilities, exceptional agility and advanced technology, the Su-57’s stealth design minimises radar detection.
For American aerospace giants Lockheed Martin and Boeing, Aero India 2025 will be the first opportunity to observe the Su-57 up close. The F-35 has multiple variants, including models capable of taking off and landing on aircraft carriers. Equipped with advanced stealth technology, F-35 is designed to remain nearly invisible to radar, enabling it to operate undetected in hostile environments. It can perform autonomous missions, including air-to-air combat, ground attacks and reconnaissance.
France has once again emerged as the top exhibitor at Aero India, with companies from over 15 countries registered for the event. French exhibitors include Dassault Aviation, the maker of the Rafale, and engine manufacturer Safran, which has already partnered with India to produce helicopter engines. Other key exhibitors include Germany, Italy, Russia, the UK and Israel.
This edition of Aero India will also feature aircraft manufacturers vying for the Indian Air Force’s 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) deal. The IAF had issued a Request for Information (RFI) for the MRFA in April 2019, inviting global manufacturers to compete for the contract.
