Russian, US 5th-generation fighters to pep up Aero India

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Aero India 2025 in Bangalore will witness the participation of the fifth-generation Russian and American aircraft, The Print has learnt. A source in the Indian Air Force (IAF) said both the US and Russia have confirmed the participation, but it may be subject to last-minute change. Russia’s Su-57 fighter developed by Russian aircraft manufacturer Sukhoi will be showcased in India for the first time at the 15th edition of the event ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s likely visit to India. In 2007, India had agreed to co-develop the jet with Russia, but backed out of the programme in 2018.

Already in use by the Russian Air Force, the fighter was on display at Airshow China held in Zhuhai last November. Similarly, the F-35 developed by American aerospace giant Lockheed Martin will also be showcased at the event. The F-35 had made its debut during the Aero India edition in 2023. Other highlights will include American aircraft maker Boeing’s KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft, General Dynamics’ (now part of Lockheed Martin) F-16 single-engine jet and Brazil-based Embraer’s C-390 transport aircraft, among others. The participation of Su-57 and F-35 fighter jets together will help Indian defence policymakers evaluate and compare their performance. Fifth-generation aircraft have the most advanced capabilities such as stealth, super-cruise and super-maneuverability.

Precision strike capability, speed, agility and high situational awareness are other factors that set the fifth-generation fighters apart from their predecessors. While Su-57 is a twin-engine aircraft, F-35 is a single-engine fighter jet. India is also in the process of developing its own fifth-generation fighter aircraft—the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in March last year gave its go-ahead to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) project for design and manufacturing of the jet at a time when India’s fighter strength is down to 31 squadrons as against the sanctioned strength of 42. Meanwhile, IAF sources said it is unclear whether the American and Russian fifth-generation fighters will take to the sky during Aero India 2025.