The Aero India 2025, which concludes today, witnessed a face-off between the US’ F-35 fighter jet and Russia’s SU-57. While the SU-57 took to the skies on Thursday, the F-35 remained on static display.

The Indian Air Force primarily operates Russian aircraft like the Su-30MKI, and adding the Su-57 would extend this partnership. However, the US F-35 offer gives India a chance to diversify its defense acquisitions and adopt advanced Western technology.

The Russian Su-57 and American F-35 stealth fighters come together for the first time at Aero India 2025. One of the key highlights is the presence of the Russian Su-57 and the American F-35 Lightning II together for the first time at an aviation exhibition.

Russia has offered to make its fifth-generation stealth fighter jet Sukhoi Su-57 in India for the Indian Air Force, a Russian and an Indian official said on Tuesday, as Moscow looks to boost defence ties with New Delhi.

It is unclear if American and Russian crews have interacted with each other at an air show where the two state-of-the-art fighter aircraft have been showcased.