Aero India 2025: In a first, Russia's Su-57 and USA's F-35 share same airstrip, airspace in Bengaluru

USA's F-35 and Russia's Su-57 fighter jets at Aero India

Ahead of the inauguration of the 15th edition of the Biennial Aero-India show, which is Asia’s Largest Air Show and aviation exhibition and is held in Bengaluru will also witness two of the world's most talked about fifth-generation fighter aircraft, Russia's Su-57 and USA's F-35 sharing the same airspace and airstrip for the first time.

The inclusion of both the Su-57 and F-35 highlights India’s position as a key hub for international defence and aerospace collaboration. Aero India 2025 will provide a rare side-by-side comparison of Eastern and Western fifth-generation fighter technology, offering defence analysts, military personnel and aviation enthusiasts valuable insights into their respective capabilities.

Photos of the two fighter jets parked side by side have caught everyone's attention. Russia's Su-57 will also perform aerial display but USA's F-35 will be kept for static display. Aero India 2025 will be held from 10 to 14 February at Yelahanka Air Force Station, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. The first three days are dedicated to business visitors, while the last two days are open to the general public.

Only in India can two fighters from opposing Airforces fly together in peaceSo if these two warbirds cud talk to each other - what wud su57 and f35 talk about ? stealthily? #AeroIndia2025 #OnlyInIndia pic.twitter.com/qIBbx40nef
Rajeev Chandrasekhar (@RajeevRC_X) February 9, 2025

F-35 Lightning II: The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, the most widely-deployed fifth-generation fighter, integrates advanced stealth, unparalleled situational awareness and networked combat capabilities.  The global F-35 fleet comprises over 1,000 aircraft, with over 957,000 flight hours and 624 deployments completed.

Stealth. Precision. Total Air Dominance.Witness the US Multi-Role Stealth Fighter F-35a true game-changer in aerial combatat Aero India 2025. Engineered for precision, power, and air superiority, this cutting-edge fighter is redefining modern warfare.Public Days: 13th & pic.twitter.com/l0ecwQoigK Aero India (@AeroIndiashow) February 9, 2025

Su-57: Russia’s premier stealth multirole fighter is designed for superior air superiority and strike capabilities. Equipped with advanced avionics, supercruise capability, and stealth technology, it is making its debut at Aero India 2025. Visitors can expect high-speed aerial manoeuvres and tactical demonstrations that highlight the fighter’s agility, stealth and firepower.

Meanwhile, the twin-engine Su-57 with stealth features was first flown in 2010, the aircraft is known to be capable of aerial combat and both land and maritime strikes.The Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported that it combines stealth, super maneuverability, and supersonic cruise technology with integrated avionics and large payload capacity.

Unmatched Stealth. Absolute Dominance.Witness Russias Fifth-Gen Stealth Fighter SU-57 FELON in action at Aero India 2025designed for air superiority and built for the future of combat.10th - 14th February 2025Air Force Station, Yelahanka, #BengaluruDownload the pic.twitter.com/GCAAqCoBVD Aero India (@AeroIndiashow) February 9, 2025

Russia's test pilot, Sergey Bogdan, who flew the Su-57 , claimed that the Russian fighter jet surpasses all existing counterparts in the world, including China's J-35 and said his country's aircraft "always boasts a competitive edge," earlier said.

Aero India organised by the Ministry of Defence in partnership with the HAL, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Department of Space, Aero India has become one of Asia's largest air shows since its inception in 1996.

This biennial event is renowned for its spectacular flyovers, aerobatic performances, and cutting-edge technology exhibitions. Visitors can experience demonstrations of some of the world's most advanced fighter jets, helicopters, and drones.

*With Agency Inputs