The Dynamic Airforce Scene at Aero India 2025
BENGALURU, India — The recent Aero India 2025 exhibition showcased an unprecedented meeting of military might, with the advanced air forces of the United States and Russia sharing a runway. The Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II and the Sukhoi Su-57E were front and center, each vying for the attention of the Indian Air Force as both nations aim to secure a significant arms deal with one of the world’s largest and most critical defense markets.
India’s Non-Aligned Military Strategy
This remarkable pairing at Aero India reflects India’s long-standing non-aligned strategy amidst global military alliances. Historically, India has leaned heavily on Russian technology and equipment; however, in recent years, the U.S. has made strides to penetrate and influence the Indian defense market. This duality of choice is a critical aspect of how India approaches its defense procurement, balancing its historical ties with Russia while exploring new partnerships with Western countries.
The Battle for Fifth-Generation Fighters
Central to the Aero India competition is the desire to secure a foothold in the lucrative fifth-generation fighter market. A representative from Rosoboronexport, Russia’s state arms export agency, announced that India could potentially manufacture the Su-57 fighter jet domestically with complete technology transfer. Informal discussions have even been held with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) about assembling the Su-57 at its Nasik plant, where the Su-30MKI jets are already being produced. This proposal underscores a shift towards domestic production capabilities in India’s military aviation sector, aligning with India’s “Make in India” initiative.
A Historical Context
Interestingly, this moment comes as something of an irony; India had previously withdrawn from a collaborative Indo-Russian project that ultimately led to the development of the Su-57. The Russian Air Force only commenced operational use of the Su-57 in 2020, and now Russia is eager to position this advanced aircraft as its first export venture with India, as stated by Alexander Mikheev, the director general of Rosoboronexport, at the air show.
The U.S. Offer of F-35 Fighters
Meanwhile, relations with the U.S. have never been stronger, and the air show coincided with a significant political gesture. During a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then-U.S. President Donald Trump, the President made a bold statement about the potential sale of F-35 stealth fighters to India. This declaration is monumental, given India’s entrenched ties with Russia and the sensitive nature of the F-35 technology.
Lockheed Martin expressed encouragement at the prospect of the F-35 deal, highlighting a keen interest in establishing collaborative efforts with both governments. This move reflects the increasing convergence of U.S.-India strategic interests, marking a pivotal moment in international military diplomacy.
The Indian Response
However, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs approached Trump’s sentiments with caution. An official remarked that the acquisition process for such advanced aviation platforms has not yet officially commenced, indicating that discussions are still in the proposal phase. Furthermore, while India faces a pressing airpower gap, particularly with its northern neighbor, China, whether the F-35 is a fitting solution still remains uncertain.
There are significant logistical hurdles to integrating the F-35 into India’s existing defense framework, particularly with its fleet of Russian Su-30MKI fighters. Questions regarding cyber integration and operational compatibility abound, further complicating the potential partnership.
The Indigenous Push: AMCA Program
Not to be overshadowed, India is also channeling resources into developing its own fifth-generation fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Displaying a full-scale model at Aero India for the first time underscores this commitment. While the AMCA program anticipates initial deliveries by 2034, the market implications of either acquiring the F-35 or the Su-57 could sideline the indigenous effort, risking the future of domestic fighter development in India.
A Shifting Defense Landscape
India’s defense strategy has historically been reliant on Russian technology, with Russian sales accounting for 36% of India’s defense imports from 2019 to 2023. However, the past few years have witnessed a notable decline in Russian exports to India, with reliance decreasing by 34% compared to earlier periods. With a robust $50 billion in contracts signed over two decades with Russia, India is now being courted aggressively by the United States, which has shifted from virtually no arms sales pre-2008 to more than $20 billion in sales thereafter.
India’s recent purchases reflect a diverse procurement strategy, including advanced American systems such as the C-130J Super Hercules and the P-8I maritime patrol aircraft. The U.S. is also pushing for India to reduce its dependency on Russian defense articles, reflecting the geopolitical shifts in global military alliances.
Forward-Looking Perspectives
In the context of a rising defense budget, which has increased by 9.53% to $78.3 billion for 2025-2026, India is at a crossroads. How it navigates its choices between renewing reliance on Russia, furthering its partnership with the U.S., or pursuing an independent path with the AMCA will heavily influence its airpower capabilities in the coming years.
As India stands poised to make strategic decisions, the air show has illustrated the shifting dynamics of global defense partnerships, and the intense competition between global powers to assert influence in one of the world’s most pivotal military markets.
