Russia’s Su-57 or US’ F-35 Which Out of These’s Do You See India Picking Out During The Indian Air Show?

New Delhi: Bharat is set to host its biggest aviation event , “Aero India 2025, a biennial air show and aviation exhibition set for the period of Feb 10-15 at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bangalore. Stallholders from the air force, as well as vendors, perform a series of aerobatic displays during this eye-catching aerospace and defence promotion event called Aero India. 

Russia will be bringing its internationally renowned fifth generation stealth fighter, the Su-57 Felon while rumors suggest the US F-35 Lightning II fighter may also make an appearance. For the first time, Indian Military Airforce jets will use the F-35 Lightning II.

The last Eco-Asia conference to be held in Singapore reported that the F-35 Lightning II fighter was also able to attend the Aero India 2023. There are possibilities that India is in communication with the USA to purchase these jets. Meanwhile, it is believed that Russian President Vladimir Putin is in favour of selling the Su-57 in that case, such a groundwork could be set to negotiate with the old partners to whom the Indian Air Force (IAF) had such strict requirements for upgrading its assets with powerful performance aircraft.

The Su-57 display, which marks Russia’s best airshow in another country, took place at Zhuhai in China back in November of 2024. The plane was also recently on display during the Aero India air show.Despite being unofficial, it is said that the plane coommends the US F-35 and the Chinese J-20 due to being Russias most advanced fighter jet. 

During the event at Yelahanka Air Force station alongside Putin's arrival in the said country later this year India would try to strike a deal with Russia in order to expand their co manufacturing for the 5th generation plan which is most likely to be part of their defense. The news would greatly benefit India and propel its strategic expansion as well as its overall defense capabilities.

Experts believe when Putin arrives in New Delhi allowing them the opportunity to source the 5th generation aircraft from his hand alongside providing them the tools to foster their economy at the event.

Russia has once again proposed modifications to the Su-57, claiming to enhance technological aspects such as stealth and avionics as well as introducing laser weaponry. 

Sukhoi has created and built the aircraft that has recently been commissioned into the Russian Air Force, the Su-57. This aircraft is listed among the very few in the category of advanced fighter jets and has been armed with unrivaled high tech stealth, speed and mobility.

In India, the HAL has been in operation for over 250 Su-30MKI and has previous experience assembling and producing Russian’s other fighter aircraft. 

The contract that the two countries signed, in 2007, focused on improving a native Indian combat aircraft’s collaboration with the Russian Sukhoi’s upgrades for the Su-57 stealth fighter.

In conclusion, it is quite evident that the Su-57 would be the latest induction into Russia-India relations which were once characterized by strong bonds between the two countries competing against the world as a single superpower.