Aero India 2025 Takes Flight: Russian Su-57 vs. US F-35 in Bengaluru Skies

The highly anticipated 15th edition of Aero India began on an electrifying note in Bengaluru on Monday, February 10, as US and Russian stealth fighters came face-to-face for the first time in history.

Recognized as Asia's largest aerospace and defence exhibition, Aero India 2025 was inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the Yelahanka Air Force Station. This year's exhibition, themed "The Runway to a Billion Opportunities," will run for five days, from February 10 to February 14, showcasing India's aerial capabilities and indigenous advancements alongside cutting-edge innovations from global aerospace giants.

According to officials, the event is a crucial platform for fostering international collaborations and accelerating the indigenisation process, aligning with the government's vision of making India a developed nation (Viksit Bharat) by 2047.

Su-57 vs. F-35: A Historic Fighter Jet Faceoff

For the first time in Aero India's history, two of the world's most advanced fifth-generation fighter jets-the Russian Su-57 and the US F-35 Lightning II-are being displayed together.

"This milestone in global defence cooperation highlights technological advancements and offers aviation enthusiasts an unparalleled opportunity to witness the best of modern aerial warfare," the Defence Ministry said in a statement on Saturday.

The Su-57, Russia's premier stealth multi-role fighter, is designed for air superiority and strike missions, while the F-35 Lightning II, the most widely deployed fifth-generation fighter, is known for its advanced stealth, networked combat capabilities, and unmatched situational awareness.

According to the Defence Ministry, this development reinforces India's growing stature as a hub for global defence and aerospace collaboration.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is also making waves at the exhibition with its indigenous aircraft and cutting-edge technologies.

"HAL's Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), designed and developed indigenously, will be a key highlight," a company official told PTI on Sunday.

HAL's indoor pavilion (HALL-E) will showcase a range of innovations, including the LUH, Hindustan Turbo Trainer (HTT)-40 Simulator, and scaled models of the LCA Mk1A fighter.

"Various advanced avionics, mechanical systems, aerospace technologies, and unmanned aircraft innovations developed by HAL will be featured prominently," said HAL Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) D K Sunil in a press release.

Adding to the excitement, HAL officially renamed its flagship jet training aircraft, the Hindustan Jet Trainer (HJT-36), as 'Yashas' following significant modifications.

"The major enhancements to this intermediate training platform have greatly improved its capabilities, warranting a new identity that reflects its modernized role in military aviation," Sunil announced at the event.

Spanning five days, Aero India 2025 will feature three business days (February 10-12), while February 13 and 14 will be open to the public.

The massive exhibition covers over 42,000 sq. meters, with participation from 900+ exhibitors, including 150 foreign companies.

This edition of Aero India is set to be the largest ever. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the global significance of the event, revealing that defence ministers and representatives from 30 countries, along with Air Chiefs and Secretaries from 43 nations, are attending.

"The participation of such high-profile global defence leaders underscores Aero India's importance not just for India, but for the entire international defence community," Singh said on Sunday, February 9.