Rivals of the skies: F-35 and Su-57 fighter jets meet for the first time at air show

Bengaluru (India) - They have never been this close before. At the "Aero India" air show in Bengaluru, India, an American F-35 met a Russian Su-57. The stealth jets are among the most modern fighter jets in the world.

A Russian Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet (l.) and an American Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II can currently be admired at Yelahanka Air Force Base in India.
A Russian Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet (l.) and an American Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II can currently be admired at Yelahanka Air Force Base in India.  © Telegram/PAO "OAK"

Almost all well-known manufacturers are expected to be represented at the biennial arms fair "Aero India". Up-and-coming India is too tempting for the suppliers.

Now there was an unprecedented encounter at the air show at the Yelahanka air base, reports the portal"EurAsian Times".

A Russian Sukhoi Su-57 (NATO codename: Felon) and a US Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II were parked on the same tarmac - just a few meters apart.

Both fighter jets belong to the fifth generation, have stealth characteristics and can perform a wide range of tasks.

While experts attribute the stronger offensive capabilities - more range, better stealth characteristics, air combat at greater distances - to the western jet, the Su-57 scores with defensive capabilities - superior maneuverability, more advanced radar sensors and significantly lower acquisition and operating costs.

Images: Manufacturers hope for lucrative business at Aero India 2025

An F-35A arrived from the USA.
An F-35A arrived from the USA.  © X/@AeroIndiashow
The Russian Su-57 was a crowd-puller.
The Russian Su-57 was a crowd-puller.  © Arun SANKAR / AFP
The Su-57 has swivel nozzles (thrust vector control) and is therefore much more maneuverable than comparable models.
The Su-57 has swivel nozzles (thrust vector control) and is therefore much more maneuverable than comparable models.  © Telegram/PAO "OAK"
France sent a Dassault Rafale to India. This aircraft is generally considered to be fourth generation.
France sent a Dassault Rafale to India. This aircraft is generally considered to be fourth generation.  © Arun SANKAR / AFP

India wants its own fighter jet

It is doubtful whether India will actually opt for one of the two jets.

Although the South Asian country has repeatedly purchased military technology from Russia in the past, it is increasingly relying on self-developed hardware such as the HAL Tejas light combat aircraft. What punitive tariffs US President Donald Trump (78) might come up with in the event of an Indian-Russian arms deal is another matter.

Instead, the trade fair is being used to present a mock-up of the company's own development "Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA)" to the general public - a fifth-generation multi-role combat aircraft that is expected to be available in the next decade.

India is developing its own AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) multi-role combat aircraft.
India is developing its own AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) multi-role combat aircraft.  © Ministry of Defence, Government of India
The aircraft is scheduled to enter service in the 2030s.
The aircraft is scheduled to enter service in the 2030s.  © Ministry of Defence, Government of India

Unlike India , Germany has long since made up its mind. Following the much-vaunted turnaround , the Bundeswehr has placed a firm order for 35 F-35 jets . However, the country intends to do without its own fifth-generation fighter aircraft. Instead, a sixth-generation European jet is planned. Project name: Future Combat Air System (FCAS). Entry into service: after 2040.