Aero India 2025: Russia and US showcase their stealth capabilities

Delegates at Aero India 2025 witness Su-57 and F-35 in action, showcasing advanced fifth-generation fighter aircraft capabilities.

Delegates and business visitors witnessed a scintillating display of two of the most advanced fifth generation fighter aircraft on the inaugural day of Aero India 2025.

At 2.30 p.m. the Russian Su-57, which is making its debut at the airshow, took off from the tarmac of the Air Force Station Yelahanka and for next few minutes Sukhoi’s chief test pilot Sergey Bogdan performed a series of manoeuvres showcasing the unique aerial capabilities of the stealth aircraft.

The Su-57, developed by Sukhoi Design Bureau is Russia’s first operational stealth fighter with supersonic cruising speeds, advanced sensor integration, and a wide range of weapons. It can be recalled that India was part of the joint Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) programme with Russia before withdrawing in 2018.

Minutes after the Russian fifth generation fighter landed, the US’s F-35 Lightning II took to the skies to demonstrate its capabilities. After performing some of its signature manoeuvres, the aircraft landed. Though the F-35 Lightning II which is developed by Lockheed Martin had confirmed its participation in the airshow, it was unclear whether it would be part of the flight demonstration.

This is the second time the US stealth aircraft is taking part in the Aero India.

The F-35A Lightning II is the newest fifth-generation fighter of the USAF with stealth, supersonic, and multi-role capabilities. After the US flighter landed the Su-57 again took to the skies.