Bengaluru witnessed a historic moment at Aero India 2025 as two of the world’s most advanced fifth-generation fighter jets the Russian Su-57 and the American F-35 Lightning II dominated the skies together for the first time. Their high-speed manoeuvres and tactical displays left defence enthusiasts and aviation experts in awe, outshining even the traditionally crowd-favourite Surya Kiran aerobatic team.
For the Su-57, this was a much-anticipated debut at Aero India, while the F-35, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, returned after participating in the previous edition of the prestigious defence expo. Spectators were thrilled by the rare sight of these technological marvels sharing the same airspace.
“I wasn’t expecting to see both aircraft take flight here,” said Akshara Patel, an aircraft enthusiast attending the event. “It was a spectacular showcase of power, speed, and agility.”
The F-35’s performance comes just days ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to the United States, where he will meet President Donald Trump. The display of American air superiority at the Indian airshow underscores ongoing global defence partnerships and India’s strategic ties with major military powers.
A statement from the Defence Ministry highlighted the significance of the moment, calling it a “milestone in global defence collaboration and technological advancement.” The presence of both jets at Aero India 2025 provided a unique opportunity for aviation enthusiasts and military analysts to witness cutting-edge aerial combat capabilities in action.
The Russian Su-57, developed to compete with the US’s F-22 Raptor and F-35, boasts exceptional agility, supercruise capability, and advanced avionics. It is designed for both air superiority and strike missions, making it a formidable presence in modern warfare. Russia currently operates about 76 Su-57s and is actively looking to export the aircraft to nations like India and the UAE.
Meanwhile, the F-35 Lightning II, known for its unmatched stealth, networked combat capabilities, and advanced sensors, continues to be the most widely deployed fifth-generation fighter, with over 3,000 units on order, including supplies to NATO allies.
The Defence Ministry described the Su-57 as “Russia’s premier stealth multi-role fighter,” capable of “high-speed aerial manoeuvres and tactical demonstrations that highlight its agility, stealth, and firepower.” The F-35, on the other hand, was praised for its “unparalleled situational awareness and advanced combat capabilities.”
With Aero India 2025 providing an electrifying start, defence analysts believe the simultaneous display of these two jets marks a new era in global military aviation, potentially influencing future collaborations and procurements.
