Russia’s Sukhoi-57 steals the show at Aero India

At 3.30 pm on Monday, the skies over Bengaluru thundered as the Russian Sukhoi-57 fighter jet roared into action, performing high-intensity aerial manoeuvres over the Yelahanka air base. The pilot pushed the 18-tonne-plus machine to its limits in a stunning display of ‘display flying’.As the pilot revved up the engine, the sleek blue-silver jet lifted off the tarmac, soaring into the sky. On the ground, a captivated audience — including engineers, company executives, seasoned military leaders and Cold War-era veterans — watched intently as the aircraft executed a series of breathtaking manoeuvres at Aero India that began today.With each gravity-defying move, hundreds of smartphones captured the spectacle, eager to share the rare sight on social media. The excitement was amplified by the relative secrecy surrounding the Russian jet, unlike the widely known US-made F-35, another fifth-generation fighter flown by the US and its allies, besides Japan and Australia.Built by aerospace giant Lockheed Martin, the F-35 is also at Aero India this year. It made its debut at the last biennial edition in 2023, where it performed ‘display flying,’ grabbing headlines with its cutting-edge technology. However, this year, the F-35 team has so far limited itself to flypasts rather than full-fledged ‘display flying’, which requires specially trained pilots to push the jet to its limits.Aero India features several US and European companies specialising in fighter jets, engines and avionics — some of which rival the Sukhoi-57 in capability.The strategic significance of the F-35 and Sukhoi-57 sharing tarmac space has not gone unnoticed. On the ground, the two jets are parked about 200 m apart, with US and Russian teams closely observing each other’s aircraft — likely the closest encounter between the two in years.For the first time in history, Aero India is showcasing two of the world’s most advanced fifth-generation fighter jets side by side.LCA Tejas Mark 1A soars highThe Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mark 1A made a spectacular debut at the inaugural event of Aero India, with four aircraft flying in the “finger four” formation, known as the Yodha formation. A prototype of the aircraft also performed an aerial display, captivating the audience. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the manufacturer of the Tejas Mark 1A, highlighted that the aircraft is a significantly upgraded and more capable platform, set to join the Indian Air Force (IAF) in the coming months. The upgrades include a new sensor suite, advanced mission and digital flight control systems, enhanced weaponry, net-centric capabilities, and integration of Astra beyond-visual-range (BVR) missiles, alongside precision-guided weapons. The IAF has placed an order for 83 aircraft, with the lead aircraft expected to receive its Military Type Certificate and enter service soon.Tata delivers 300th Apache fuselageTata Boeing Aerospace Ltd, a joint venture between Boeing and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd, has achieved a significant milestone by delivering the 300th fuselage for the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter. Produced at its Hyderabad facility, these fuselages are supplied to global customers, including the US Army and the Indian Army, which has six on order. The Indian Air Force currently operates a fleet of 22 AH-64E Apache helicopters. The joint venture employs over 900 engineers and technicians, utilising advanced robotics, automation, and aerospace manufacturing technologies to maintain high standards of production.Rajnath calls for global collaborationDefence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the CEOs Roundtable at Aero India, urging global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to leverage India’s expanding defence ecosystem. He emphasised the need for targeted solutions to address challenges arising from the current volatile geopolitical landscape. The roundtable, themed Enabling Defence Cooperation through Global Engagement (EDGE), served as a platform to advance India’s vision of self-reliance in defence production. The event saw participation from OEMs representing 19 countries, including the US, France, Russia, South Korea, the UK, Japan, Israel, and Brazil, alongside 35 Indian companies such as Larsen & Toubro, Bharat Forge, Adani Defence & Aerospace, and BrahMos Aerospace, as well as 16 defence PSUs.On Sunday, the Ministry of Defence stated, “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 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.”Notably, in 2007, India signed an agreement with Russia for the joint development of a Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) in collaboration with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Although both nations initially committed $6 billion to the project, India withdrew in 2018, citing concerns over cost, workshare and perceived capability gaps.Despite this setback, Sukhoi continued advancing the Su-57 programme, positioning it for potential export clients.

Russia’s Sukhoi-57 steals the show at Aero India

Built by aerospace giant Lockheed Martin, the F-35 is also at Aero India this year

Tribune News Service

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