Amid swirling reports about the U.S. Air Force pulling out F-35 aircraft from Aero India 2025, the United States Air Force (USAF) has confirmed that the fifth-generation stealth fighter will be present at the prestigious airshow.
Aero India, held at Yelahanka Air Force Station, is one of Asia’s major aerospace and defense exhibitions, drawing military officials, defense companies, and aviation enthusiasts from across the globe. The defense event is scheduled to be held in Bengaluru from February 10 to 14.
In a statement to EurAsian Times, the USAF spokesperson confirmed that the Lockheed Martin-built aircraft, known for its cutting-edge stealth and combat capabilities, will make its mark at the biennial defense exhibition.
However, while aviation enthusiasts expected a full-fledged aerobatic demonstration, the service clarified that the F-35 Demo Team would not perform at the event. Instead, the aircraft will be showcased through static displays and flyby demonstrations.
Erin M. Wood, Civ, DAF, Deputy Chief, Civic Outreach & Community Relations Air Combat Command Public Affairs Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, said, “The F-35 Demo Team will not be participating in the Aero India airshow.”
“However, the F-35 aircraft and aircrew will still be featured at the event for a static display and flyby demonstration,” the Deputy Chief added.
This is not the first time the F-35 will be arriving in India. The advanced fighter jet, developed by American aerospace giant Lockheed Martin, made its debut at the previous Aero India event in 2023.
Regardless, the F-35 Demo Team’s absence means spectators will miss out on the thrilling aerobatic maneuvers that demonstrate the aircraft’s agility, speed, and stunts.
However, the flyby demonstrations will still provide a glimpse of the ‘cutting edge’ fighter in flight. At the same time, the static display will allow visitors a closer look at its cutting-edge design, features, and possibly advanced weaponry.
Further, the confirmation of the F-35’s presence ensures that the US remains a key participant in the showcase of airpower and defense technology.
Russian Su-57 vs US F-35
In addition to the highly anticipated F-35 Lightning II, the 15th edition of Aero India is set to witness the debut of the Russian Sukhoi Su-57, marking its first appearance in Indian airspace.
Unlike the F-35, which is not slated to perform thrilling aerial maneuvers, the Su-57 Felon will showcase its agility with high-energy stunts over the Air Force station.
India has a unique and significant historical connection with the Su-57 Felon. In 2007, India entered into an agreement to co-develop the aircraft with Russia. However, this partnership was abandoned in 2018.
Meanwhile, last November, the Russian Su-57 was also on display for the first time at the Airshow China in Zhuhai.
The inclusion of both U.S. and Russian stealth fighter jets at Aero India makes the event an unparalleled platform for military aviation enthusiasts. This unique experience is hard to replicate elsewhere, particularly given the ongoing geopolitical tensions between the West and Russia over Ukraine.
Fifth-generation fighters, such as the Su-57 and F-35, represent the pinnacle of modern aviation, boasting cutting-edge features like stealth, super-cruise capabilities, and exceptional maneuverability.
These jets also offer advanced precision strike capabilities, superior speed, agility, and heightened situational awareness, which set them apart from earlier-generation aircraft. The Su-57 is a twin-engine fighter, while the F-35 is powered by a single engine, each with unique design attributes.
The presence of these fighter jets has attracted considerable attention in Indian media. This fascination is fueled by the ongoing challenges facing the Indian Air Force, including its aging fleet and the looming possibility that neighboring Pakistan may acquire Chinese stealth fighters.
Such developments could possibly prompt India to make a critical decision in the near future—whether to procure the F-35 or the Su-57—though doing so would require India to navigate complex geopolitical relationships carefully.
Meanwhile, India is currently in the design and development phase of its fifth-generation fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). However, the progress of this program has been slow.
In addition to the Su-57, there are rumors that a full-scale mockup of the Russian Su-75 Checkmate, still in the developmental phase, might make an appearance at the airshow.
An Image of a Checkmate model being prepared for transport from Moscow to Bangalore has been circulating online, though these claims remain unverified.
Aero India 2025 promises to be an event that military experts worldwide will closely monitor, as some of the world’s most advanced military equipment will be on display.
