Russian, U.S. fifth generation fighter jets at Aero India

The U.S. Air Force’s F-35 Lightning II during the Aero India 2023 show at Yelahanka Airforce Station in Bengaluru.
| Photo Credit: The Hindu

Fifth generation fighter jets of Russia and the U.S. are set to enthral the crowds at the Yelahanka Air Force station, Bengaluru, during Aero India next month. Their combined presence in Indian air space comes amid a deep crisis in the Indian Air Force with major delays in fighter inductions and the induction of the under development indigenous fifth generation fighter at least a decade away.

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Both the Russian SU-57 fighter as well as the U.S. F-35 fighter have confirmed participation at Aero India, two official sources independently confirmed.

While sources confirmed that the SU-57, the Russian fifth gen fighter, will perform manoeuvres over the Air Force station, it has been learnt that the two F-35s are likely to be on static display and unlikely to perform manoeuvres.

In the last edition of Aero India in 2023 as well, two F-35s were on static display. The U.S. is also expected to bring a B-1 long range bomber, which also did a fly-by in the last edition, and also F-16 fighters.

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The 15th edition of Asia’s biggest aero show — Aero India 2025 — is scheduled to be held from February 10 to 14, with the first three days being business days and last two days open to public. The event includes both air displays and static exhibitions of a large array of military platforms from the aerospace sector.