From February 10 to 14, 2025, the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru hosted Aero India 2025, Asia’s largest airshow, organized by India’s Ministry of Defense. Under the theme “The Runway to a Billion Opportunities,” the event highlighted India’s rising prominence in global aerospace and defense. The airshow’s standout moment was the unprecedented joint appearance of two fifth-generation stealth fighters: Russia’s Su-57 Felon and the United States’ F-35 Lightning II. This rare convergence of rival jets, typically separated by geopolitical divides, marked a historic milestone in military aviation, drawing global attention to Bengaluru.
Navigating to Yelahanka
Yelahanka Air Force Station, located roughly an hour from Bengaluru’s Kempe Gowda International Airport, served as the vibrant backdrop for Aero India 2025. The journey to the venue, however, highlighted Bengaluru’s notorious traffic challenges, with congested roads slowing attendees and even international participants, such as the German Air Force pilot team, who missed the opening ceremony.
At the airshow entrance, tight security and a diverse crowd of aviation enthusiasts, families, and industry professionals created a lively yet chaotic atmosphere.
The Centerpiece: Su-57 and F-35
The simultaneous presence of the Su-57 and F-35 was the defining feature of Aero India 2025, offering a rare opportunity to compare two of the world’s most advanced fighter jets. The U.S.-built F-35 Lightning II, developed by Lockheed Martin, is a multi-role stealth platform renowned for its advanced sensor fusion, networked warfare capabilities, and low radar cross-section. Its sleek, angular design optimizes it for precision strikes, intelligence gathering, and air superiority in contested environments. On static display, the F-35 drew crowds for its technology, including its helmet-mounted display system and integrated avionics, which enable unparalleled situational awareness.
In contrast, Russia’s Su-57 Felon, designed by Sukhoi, emphasizes supermaneuvrability and raw performance. Its larger frame, twin engines, and aerodynamic design prioritize agility, making it a formidable platform for air combat and counter-stealth operations. During the airshow, veteran test pilot Sergey Bogdan showcased the Su-57’s capabilities in a aerobatic display. His execution of the “falling leaf” maneuver—a controlled stall and recovery—demonstrated the jet’s ability to perform complex maneuvers that challenge conventional aerodynamics.
The joint appearance of these jets was more than a technical showcase; it carried geopolitical significance. The U.S. and Russia rarely display their flagship fighters together, making Aero India 2025 a unique platform for aerospace diplomacy. For India, which operates a mix of Western and Russian aircraft, hosting both jets signaled its strategic balancing act in global defense partnerships.
India’s Aerospace Ambitions
Beyond the Su-57 and F-35, Aero India 2025 showcased India’s strides toward self-reliance in aerospace and defense. The India Pavilion, a highlight of the exhibition halls, featured innovations from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), including the Dhruv helicopter, a versatile platform for transport, search-and-rescue, and combat support.
HAL’s display emphasized India’s growing capacity to produce indigenous defense systems, a cornerstone of the “Make in India” initiative.
Akash Air Defense System
At Aero India 2025, the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) showcased the Akash Prime, an advanced medium-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system designed to bolster India’s air defense capabilities. Displayed in the India Pavilion, the Akash Prime is an upgraded variant of the original Akash system, featuring enhanced accuracy, a longer range of up to 45 kilometers, and improved performance against high-speed aerial threats, including fighter jets, drones, and cruise missiles.
Equipped with an indigenous radio frequency seeker, the system ensures precise targeting in contested environments. Its mobility and rapid deployment capabilities make it a vital asset for protecting strategic assets and urban centers.
The Rafale: India’s Versatile Multi-Role Fighter
A key highlight of Aero India 2025 was the Indian Air Force’s Rafale, a 4.5-generation multi-role fighter manufactured by France’s Dassault Aviation. On static display and featured in aerial demonstrations, the Rafale showcased its sleek design, advanced weaponry, and versatility. Equipped with the AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar and capable of carrying a wide range of munitions, including the Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile and SCALP cruise missile, the Rafale is designed for air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions.
The Rafale’s presence highlighted India’s modernization efforts, bridging the gap between legacy platforms and next-generation fighters like the Su-57 and F-35.
The Swathi Radar: India’s Indigenous Surveillance Powerhouse
Another standout exhibit was the Swathi Weapon Locating Radar, developed indigenously by India’s Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Displayed prominently in the India Pavilion, the Swathi radar is a mobile, phased-array system designed to detect and track incoming artillery, mortar, and rocket fire, providing precise coordinates for counter-battery operations. Capable of detecting projectiles at ranges up to 50 kilometers, the radar enhances situational awareness and strengthens India’s battlefield defense capabilities.
Its rugged design and ability to operate in diverse terrains make it a critical asset for modern warfare. At Aero India 2025, the radar drew attention from military professionals and international delegates.
International exhibitors, including Boeing and Airbus, displayed advanced systems alongside India’s Rafale fighters and the U.S. C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. The Indian Air Force’s Surya Kiran aerobatic team, flying Hawk jets, delivered a performance of precise formations, complemented by international aerobatic teams, adding flair to the airshow.
Reflections on Aero India 2025
Aero India 2025 stood out as a landmark event, driven by the historic Su-57 and F-35 display. The Su-57’s aerobatic prowess and the F-35’s technological sophistication offered a glimpse into the future of air combat, where stealth, agility, and advanced systems define dominance. India’s contributions, from HAL’s indigenous aircraft to DRDO’s missile systems, underscored its emergence as a serious player in global aerospace.
Logistical challenges, such as heat, crowds, and connectivity issues, were evident, and improvements in crowd management and amenities could enhance future editions. Compared to global airshows like Oshkosh or Singapore, Aero India’s scale and ambition are undeniable, though refining infrastructure would elevate the experience. Nevertheless, the event’s significance as a platform for showcasing latest aerospace technology and promoting international collaboration was unmistakable. For aviation enthusiasts and industry professionals alike, Aero India 2025 was a testament to the evolving landscape of military aviation and India’s pivotal role within it.
