US skips F-35, F-16 flights at Aero India 2025 as Russia shows Su-57
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A recent F-35A crash during a training exercise in Alaska has led to ongoing investigations, which might have played a role in the US' decision to scale back participation.
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Russia's Su-57 fighter jet performs on the first day of the Aero India 2025 at Yelahanka air base in Bengaluru, India, Monday, Feb. 10, 2025 (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)
The United States has opted out of organizing demonstration flights of its F-35A and F-16 fighter jets at Aero India 2025, reportedly following Russia's decision to showcase its Su-57 aircraft at the event. Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov claimed that the US companies withdrew after learning of the Russian fighter's participation.
Commenting on India's approach to diversifying its defense partnerships, Alipov called it a "natural process," highlighting that "healthy competition is an integral part of it." However, he cautioned that such diversification should not come "to the detriment of our cooperation."
The ambassador suggested that Washington's decision reflected an unwillingness to engage in direct competition. "As reality shows, our rivals are not ready for honest competition. Having learned that our Su-57 will be showcased at Aero India, US companies refrained from F-35A and F-16 flight programs," he stated.
🇷🇺 Beauty and mighty — #Su57 at Aero #India 2025! 🇮🇳#RussiaIndia#DruzhbaDosti#AeroIndia2025#AeroIndia pic.twitter.com/Kmkblvj9tT
— Russia in India 🇷🇺 (@RusEmbIndia) February 9, 2025
Possible Reasons Behind US Withdrawal
While US officials have not provided an official explanation for pulling out of the F-35 and F-16 demonstration flights, multiple factors may have influenced the decision. Some analysts speculate that the move is linked to India's increasing focus on developing its own Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), reducing its reliance on foreign fighter jets.
Additionally, a recent F-35A crash during a training exercise in Alaska has led to ongoing investigations, which might have played a role in the decision to scale back participation.
Despite the withdrawal of these flight demonstrations, over two dozen American defense companies will still participate in Aero India 2025, showcasing advancements in unmanned aerial systems, avionics, and defense electronics.
Read more: US F-35 lagging behind Russian, Chinese counterparts
Russia's Su-57E to Make Aero India Debut
This year's Aero India event will mark the first-ever display of Russia's fifth-generation Su-57E fighter jet, a move seen as part of Moscow's broader efforts to promote its defense technology on the global stage. An Indian Air Force source confirmed to TASS that the aircraft has already arrived in Bangalore, ahead of the exhibition scheduled for February 10-14, 2025.
According to Russian officials, the Su-57 is the only fifth-generation fighter jet that has demonstrated its combat effectiveness against Western air defense systems. It is designed to carry a range of precision-guided weapons while maintaining low radar detectability through its stealth construction, digital camouflage, and electronic warfare capabilities.
The aircraft is equipped to engage air, ground, and naval targets with a diverse arsenal, including short-, medium-, and long-range air-to-air missiles and smart bombs of various payloads. Its low observability is enhanced through radar-absorbing materials and an aerodynamic shape that minimizes its detection by enemy systems.
Read more: US F-35 lagging behind Russian, Chinese counterpart
